Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Location: Tigard, OR

Schedule: Hybrid | Monday-Thursday On Site | Fridays Remote

Compensation: $30-$34 per Hour + Full Benefits

About the Opportunity

Our client is a third-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor serving the HVAC/R industry across six western states. With decades of success, the organization has built a reputation for exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and investing in its employees. Their people-first culture has resulted in long-tenured teams, strong leadership, and a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally while maintaining an excellent work-life balance.

As the company continues to grow, they are adding a Benefits & Payroll Specialist to support the Payroll Manager and Human Resources team. This newly created position offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact while joining an experienced department known for its collaborative culture, outstanding vendor relationships, and commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience.

This role offers a flexible schedule that typically averages 30-34 hours per week , with the ability to flex up to approximately 40 hours during payroll cycles or team coverage. Employees also enjoy a hybrid schedule, working remotely on Fridays after collaborating in the office Monday through Thursday. Best of all, the position includes a comprehensive benefits package despite the reduced-hour schedule.

Position Overview

The Benefits & Payroll Specialist will play a key role in supporting the organization's payroll and employee benefits functions for approximately 260 employees across multiple states.

While payroll processing is an important responsibility, the primary focus of this position is employee benefits administration . The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of health and welfare benefits, enjoy serving as a trusted resource for employees, and possess the attention to detail necessary to ensure benefits and payroll are administered accurately and efficiently.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing analytical work with employee interaction and takes pride in delivering an exceptional internal customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, benefit deductions, and eligibility changes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions while providing outstanding customer service and support.
• Coordinate with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate and timely benefit administration.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and verify payroll deductions for accuracy.
• Assist with administration of the company's 401(k) program and related reporting.
• Support employee wellness initiatives and benefits education campaigns throughout the year.
• Assist with bi-weekly payroll processing for approximately 260 employees across multiple states.
• Review and verify employee timecards to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Maintain employee information and HRIS records while ensuring data integrity.
• Prepare ACA reporting, including Forms 1094 and 1095.
• Assist with payroll audits, compliance reporting, and year-end payroll activities.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive payroll, benefits, and employee information.
• Provide backup support to the Payroll Manager and collaborate closely with Human Resources on department initiatives and special projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in employee benefits administration and payroll.
• Strong employee benefits experience is required.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll environments.
• Experience administering self-funded health plans is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of ACA reporting, COBRA administration, payroll deductions, and benefits compliance.
• Experience with HRIS platforms; Paylocity experience is a plus.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and lookup functions.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer-service mindset with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to provide additional support during payroll cycles or coverage periods when needed.

Why Join This Team?

• Newly created position supporting a growing Human Resources and Payroll department.
• Hybrid schedule with remote work every Friday.
• Flexible schedule averaging 30-34 hours per week , with opportunities to work additional hours during payroll cycles or team coverage.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance despite the flexible schedule.
• Work alongside an experienced Payroll Manager and collaborative Human Resources team.
• Strong relationships with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and trusted vendor partners, allowing you to focus on delivering an exceptional employee experience.
• Opportunity to become a key resource and subject matter expert for employee benefits.
• Stable, financially strong, family-owned organization with exceptional employee tenure and a people-first culture.
• Collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and professional growth is encouraged.

Benefits

• $30-$34 per hour
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Hybrid Work Schedule (Remote Fridays)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Stable, Long-Term Career Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.