Human Resources

Join the Kemna Family

Human Resources / Payroll Specialist

Kemna Auto Center | Algona & Fort Dodge, Iowa
Salary Range: $60,000–$65,000 per year

For 70 years, Kemna Motor Company has been a family-owned business built on one simple principle:

Our success depends on helping others succeed.

Since 1956, Kemna has served customers, employees, and communities with integrity, professionalism, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Today, Kemna Auto Center operates multiple automotive franchises and businesses across Algona and Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Our vision is:

To be the most trusted automotive organization in our markets—known for elite performance, exceptional people, and lifelong customer relationships—while building a company our employees are proud to grow with and our communities are proud to support.

We are seeking an exceptional Human Resources / Payroll Specialist to play a vital role in supporting our employees and ensuring our organization runs smoothly.

Why This Role Matters

Behind every successful company is someone who makes sure employees are paid accurately, benefits are administered correctly, records are maintained properly, and important deadlines are never missed.

This position is much more than processing payroll.

You will help care for the people who care for our customers.

You will support employees across multiple businesses and locations and be entrusted with highly confidential information. Your work will directly impact the experience of every team member at Kemna.

If you take pride in organization, accuracy, confidentiality, and helping others, this is an opportunity to build a meaningful career with a stable, growing family business.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll accurately and on time for all Kemna organizations and locations.
• Review timecards, hours, deductions, taxes, and approvals.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and employee questions promptly.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.

Human Resources Support

• Coordinate onboarding for new employees, including paperwork, system setup, and policy acknowledgments.
• Maintain confidential employee records.
• Assist with benefits administration, employee changes, and terminations.
• Support compliance with company policies and employment regulations.

Office & Employee Support

• Order and maintain office supplies, uniforms, forms, and branded materials.
• Track inventory and ensure departments have the tools they need to succeed.
• Coordinate company-branded items for employees, events, and customer-facing materials.

Administrative Excellence

• Organize HR files, reports, and deadlines.
• Communicate clearly with employees, managers, and ownership.
• Support leadership with special projects and employee communications.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll, human resources, accounting, office administration, or a related field preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines consistently.
• High degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities independently.
• Proficiency with computers and business software.
• Experience with payroll, HR, accounting, or timekeeping systems is a plus.
• Automotive dealership experience is helpful, but not required.

The Ideal Candidate

The right person is:

• Dependable and highly organized
• Accurate and detail-oriented
• Professional and trustworthy
• Approachable and service-minded
• Calm under deadline pressure
• Able to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Passionate about helping employees and supporting the team

You understand that payroll is one of the most important promises a company makes to its employees. When payday arrives, there is no room for mistakes.

You take pride in doing important work quietly and exceptionally well.

Our Culture

At Kemna, we believe:

• Excellence is a daily habit.
• Kindness and professionalism matter.
• Our success depends on helping our employees succeed.

We are committed to creating a workplace where great people can build rewarding careers, grow personally and professionally, and take pride in the work they do.

Compensation & Benefits

• $60,000–$65,000 annual salary, based on experience and qualifications
• Health insurance and benefits package
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Stable, family-owned company with 70 years of success
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Supportive, values-driven workplace

Apply Today

If you are looking for a career where your work truly matters and where you can make a meaningful impact on employees and the organization every day, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Kim Poeppe

kim@kemna.com