Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Location: Innovation Center - Alpharetta, GA 30004 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 Job Summary: The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly and bi‑weekly payroll for salaried, hourly, and contract employees. This role ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures. This position plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy by managing timecard reviews, data entry, reconciliations, and payroll adjustments. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist also partners with employees and finance to resolve discrepancies, respond to payroll‑related inquiries, and support reporting, audits, and continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Responsibilities Process end‑to‑end payroll transactions accurately and on schedule, including salaries, hourly wages, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, taxes, benefits, and other deductions Enter and maintain payroll data, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and other employee updates Review and reconcile timekeeping data, ensuring accuracy of hours, approvals, and adjustments prior to payroll processing Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and company policies Prepare and maintain payroll records, reports, and documentation to support audits and reporting requirements Additional Responsibilities Support payroll system updates and recommend process improvements when needed Process payroll cycles, including paychecks, direct deposits, and pay cards Assist with processing PTO, bonuses, reimbursements, and benefit‑related payroll items (HSA/FSA, deductions, etc.) Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, including missing or incorrect pay issues Process off‑cycle payrolls and manual checks as needed Ensure proper setup of employee earnings, deductions, and tax configurations Support year‑end activities, including W‑2 preparation and reporting support Assist with multi‑state tax updates and payroll compliance requirements Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information Support audits by gathering and providing payroll documentation Assist with basic HRIS updates and People Operations projects as needed after payroll processing Review and audit benefit deductions to ensure accuracy and proper payroll integration Assist employees with benefit‑related questions, including eligibility, coverage, and deductions Support open enrollment processes, including system setup, employee communications, and data validation Assist with COBRA administration and compliance with applicable regulations Support leave of absence tracking and benefits continuation, including coordination with payroll for deductions and arrears Maintain accurate benefit records and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable laws Assist with benefits reporting, audits, and documentation as needed Job Requirements Experience processing payroll in a high‑volume, hourly workforce environment Strong knowledge of payroll procedures, wage and hour laws, and basic compliance requirements Experience with multi‑state payroll and tax processing preferred Familiarity with Paycom HRIS or similar payroll systems is a plus Strong Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and basic formulas/functions Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail) High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and calculations Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to research and resolve payroll issues Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment Strong communication skills, with the ability to support employees and respond to payroll inquiries High degree of discretion and ability to handle confidential information Working knowledge of benefits administration, including COBRA, leave management, and benefit deductions/payroll integration Customer‑service mindset with a focus on supporting employees and internal partners Excellent communication and customer service skills Education High school diploma or equivalent required Associate or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred Payroll certification (e.g., FPC or CPP) is a plus but not required Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors Extended periods of viewing computer screens Moderate noise and other potential sensory stimulants (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, music, and light foot traffic) Able to bend or stoop as needed #J-18808-Ljbffr