Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Description

Reports to: HR Director

Summary

We’re seeking a detail-oriented and resourceful Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team. This role supports the Human Resources and Finance departments by ensuring accurate payroll processing, seamless benefits administration, and exceptional employee service. If you thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment, we invite you to bring your skills to our team.

Requirements

Responsibilities/Duties:

Payroll

• Assist Finance with bi-weekly and monthly payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions, including salaries, commissions, bonuses, benefits, and deductions. 
• Review and verify timecards; collaborate with managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain and update payroll records for new hires, terminations, and pay adjustments.
• Process and manage garnishments, tax withholdings, and other deductions.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and best practices.
• Address employee payroll-related inquiries and provide professional resolution.
• Manage employee paid time off (PTO) records and serve as the first point of contact for related inquiries.
• Provide employment verification for external requests (e.g., loans).

Benefits

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and 401(k).
• Conduct benefits orientations and guide employees through the enrollment process.
• Ensure payroll deductions are accurate, and benefits changes are processed correctly.
• Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Serve as the primary liaison with benefits providers to address administrative issues.
• Respond to employee benefits-related inquiries and provide timely support.
• Coordinate leave of absence requests and manage associated benefits adjustments (e.g., FMLA, disability).
• Track and manage missing benefits deductions during employee leave.
• Oversee workers' compensation claims in collaboration with third-party administrators.
• Organize employee meetings to explain benefits programs and answer questions.
• Ensure compliance with the distribution of required employee notices and legal requirements.

Experience and Qualifications:

• General knowledge of payroll functions, including preparation, balancing, and compliance with payroll taxes.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits administration and applicable laws (e.g., ACA, FMLA, COBRA).
• Proficient in payroll and benefits systems (e.g., Paylocity) and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Effective interpersonal skills to work with employees at all levels and external providers.

 Key Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Highly organized and capable of managing competing priorities.