Payroll & Benefit Specialist

Job Summary: 

Experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist to manage payroll processing and administer benefits for our company. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll operations, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, managing employee benefits, and serving as a key resource for payroll and benefits inquiries. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong knowledge of payroll software, and excellent communication skills to assist our workforce.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration
 
 • Process semi-monthly and bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
 • Verify hours worked, salary adjustments, bonuses, and deductions.
 • Review and validate employee timesheets and coordinate with team leads to resolve discrepancies.
 • Prepare payroll reports for finance and management, including payroll journal entries, tax liabilities, and reconciliations.
 • Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws, including overseeing tax filings and updating tax rates as necessary.
 • Manage garnishments, deductions, and other payroll adjustments as required.
 
 Benefits Administration
 
 • Oversee benefits enrollment and eligibility for health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and other employee benefits.
 • Coordinate open enrollment, providing employees with up-to-date benefit information and answering any related questions.
 • Process benefits changes, such as enrollments, terminations, and changes in coverage, and ensure accuracy in payroll deductions.
 • Act as a liaison with benefits providers to address employee issues or inquiries, including resolving claims and coverage disputes.
 • Monitor benefits compliance with federal and state regulations, including ACA reporting, ERISA requirements, and COBRA administration.
 • Maintain accurate records of all benefit plans, deductions, and changes.

  Employee Relations and Support
 
 • Serve as the primary contact for employee payroll and benefits-related questions, providing timely and clear responses.
 • Conduct employee training and informational sessions on payroll processes and benefit offerings.
 • Collaborate with HR and management to support employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
 • Assist in policy development and updates related to payroll and benefits to improve accuracy and efficiency.
 
 Compliance and Record-Keeping
 
 • Ensure that payroll and benefits records are accurate, up-to-date, and in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
 • Manage annual audits related to payroll and benefits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
 • Implement and monitor controls to ensure confidentiality of payroll and benefits data.
 • Stay current on regulatory changes and best practices in payroll and benefits to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
 • Experience: 3 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a remote work environment.
 • Certifications: CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) preferred.
 • Technical Skills: Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, or similar), and experience with HRIS systems.
 • Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal and state payroll and benefits regulations, including tax law, FLSA, ACA, and COBRA.
 • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support a remote workforce.
 • Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in payroll and benefits processing.
 • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.

Competencies (Optional):