Payroll Benefits Specialist

About the Payroll & Benefits Specialist Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll & Benefits Specialist to oversee the full cycle of payroll processing and benefits administration. This individual will play a key role in ensuring compliance, accuracy, and a seamless employee experience. In addition to managing payroll and benefits, the specialist will support broader HR functions and contribute to the efficiency of day-to-day operations.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of HR Operations, the role includes the following key responsibilities:

Payroll, Benefits Administration, and Recordkeeping

• Accurately process payroll in compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws.

• Maintain comprehensive records of employee compensation, deductions, and tax withholdings.

• Ensure timely payment and reporting of payroll taxes, including FICA, unemployment, and local taxes.

• Respond to inquiries and provide reports for government agencies, finance, and auditors.

• Prepare and verify W-2 forms and all quarterly/year-end reporting.

• Reconcile payroll data and submit wage reports to state agencies in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, terminations, COBRA, and premium payments.

• Serve as the main point of contact for employee inquiries regarding 401(k) and ESOP plans.

• Process 401(k) transactions (rollovers, loans, distributions, etc.) and communicate with employees as needed.

• Conduct annual non-discrimination testing for 401(k) and Section 125 plans, support audits, and manage committee records.

• Support employee onboarding and benefits enrollment processes.

• Administer leave of absence programs, accurately tracking accruals and ensuring legal compliance.

HRIS Management and Data Integrity

• Maintain and update employee data using the company’s Paylocity HRIS, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.

• Track and process employee time-off requests.

• Generate HR reports for leadership and internal stakeholders as requested.

• Process key HR transactions in Paylocity (e.g., new hires, promotions, terminations, compensation changes).

• Provide employees and managers with technical support for HRIS-related issues.

• Document and streamline HR procedures and workflows.

• Conduct regular audits to ensure HRIS data integrity.

General HR Support

• Maintain and organize employee records to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Act as a point of contact for employees and managers regarding HR policies and procedures.

• Identify and address gaps between organizational needs and HR systems or capabilities.

• Participate in and lead special HR projects and initiatives as directed by senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; PHR or SPHR certification is a plus.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, with exposure to multiple HR functions preferred.

• Strong understanding of payroll processes and compliance requirements.

• High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HRIS systems (Paylocity experience preferred).

• Excellent organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to manage confidential information with integrity.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.