Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Payroll AdministratorCollect, validate, and prepare payroll inputs from HR, managers, employees, and third-party vendors.Review payroll changes including new hires, terminations, salary changes, bonus payments, deductions, garnishments, and benefits adjustments.Process payroll runs within payroll systems (ADP Workforce Now) while ensuring data accuracy and compliance with established controls.Perform payroll validation activities prior to final approval and transmission.Coordinate payroll approvals and execution activities.Distribute payroll outputs and ensure successful completion of employee payment processes.Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and stakeholders.Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.Generate and analyze payroll reports, including:Gross State ReportingPayroll History ReportsPayroll Register ReportsTax and deduction reportsExecutive and Finance reporting requirementsSupport internal and external reporting requests with accurate payroll data.Review and approve post-payroll 401(k) contribution submissions.Download and reconcile payroll reports and audit outputs.Validate and maintain:Qualified Pension IndicatorHigh Wage Earner IndicatorUpdate ADP SmartCompliance records and ensure consistent regulatory reporting.Perform payroll reconciliations and post-payroll quality reviewsAdminister employee benefit programs including:MedicalDental & VisionLife InsuranceVoluntary BenefitsManage employee enrollment, changes, terminations, and annual open enrollment activities.Liaise with benefit vendors, brokers, employees, and internal stakeholders regarding benefit administration matters.Review and process benefit-related payroll deductions.Manage and reconcile benefits invoices accurately and timely.Lead and support statutory and regulatory reporting activities including:Retirement & Pension Compliance401(k) AuditsQualified Pension Indicator ManagementQuarterly Cash Balance ReportingHealthcare & Benefits ComplianceACA (Affordable Care Act) Annual ReportingGag Clause Compliance AttestationPCORI Fee Reporting and SubmissionWorkplace Safety & Compensation ComplianceAnnual OSHA ReportingWorkers' Compensation Audits and Employee Census ReportingManage, investigate, and respond to:SARS NoticesRegulatory inquiriesPayroll compliance notificationsTax-related correspondenceConduct regular payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.Support internal, external, retirement, tax, and workers' compensation audits.Maintain comprehensive records and documentation supporting payroll and benefits transactions.Identify payroll discrepancies and implement corrective actions.Recommend process improvements to strengthen controls, compliance, and efficiency.Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.Experience: 3–5+ years of experience in U.S. payroll administration.Experience: 3–5+ years of experience employee benefits programs administration.Experience working with ADP Workforce Now preferred.Experience supporting audits, compliance activities, and regulatory reporting.Experience working in a shared services, HR operations, or People Services environment is highly desirable.Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll practices and regulations.Understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.Advanced Excel skills.Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms.Base Salary Range: is $94k USD- $125k base salary Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills and other factors.