Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Description

Summary

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering the payroll and employee benefits programs to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. This role involves processing payroll, maintaining employee records, handling benefit enrollments, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and company regulations. The specialist serves as a key point of contact for employees regarding payroll and benefits inquiries, providing exceptional support and maintaining confidentiality. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and benefits administration are essential for success in this position.

Essential Functions

1. Perform routine payroll processing functions including computing payroll, auditing payroll records, and completing reports.
2. Complete per cycle and per month audits of appropriate payroll and benefit records to ensure accurate and timely adjustments when necessary.
3. Reconcile year-end adjustments and assist with accurate year-end reporting.
4. Process new hires, terminations and employee data changes, including pay-related updates.
5. Process benefit enrolment in third-party (TPA) websites and HRIS.
6. Perform monthly vendor benefit billing reconciliations.
7. Assist Payroll and Benefits Manager during open enrolment periods by coordinating and scheduling employee meetings, providing administrative support, and performing audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
8. Assist the Payroll and Benefits Manager with PDL, FMLA, CFRA and employee accommodations administration.
9. Record Cobra events.
10. Validates 401(k) contributions in a timely manner and reconciles contributions to the Standard.
11. Maintain detailed and accurate payroll and benefit records and documentation for audit purposes.
12. Maintain confidentiality of all records including payroll, benefit, employment, and company specific.
13. Assist with special projects and other HR-related tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Basic understanding of payroll principles, processes including compliance requirements.
2. Basic understanding of leave laws related to PDL, FMLA, CFRA, and other applicable regulations.
3. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
4. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
5. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
6. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems (Paylocity preferred).
7. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

1. Minimum of 1 year of payroll and benefits experience required; 2–3 years preferred.
2. Experience working with HRIS/Payroll systems required; Paylocity experience preferred.
3. High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer – 7 to 8 hours per day.
2. Light lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
3. Intermittent walking and bending.
4. General office environment works generally at a desk in a well-lighted, air-conditioned cubicle/office, with moderate noise levels.  

The preceding list of duties does not include all tasks and responsibilities that may be required with this position. Additional tasks may be assigned, as departmental and operational needs require.