Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits SpecialistLocation: Southfield, MI (In-Person) Employment Type: Full-TimeEPIC Health is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support our growing, multi-site healthcare organization. This role focuses on multi-state compliance, benefits administration, employee relations, and building structured HR processes that scale with our organization.This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who understands healthcare HR, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can balance compliance with employee support.Payroll Processing & AdministrationProcess bi-weekly payroll for multi-site employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.Review and validate timesheets, PTO, bonuses, adjustments, and wage calculations prior to payroll submission.Ensure correct computation of wages, overtime, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.Prepare and distribute payroll reports and year-end forms (W-2s); assist with audits and maintain documentation.Maintain and update payroll data in HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP).Benefits & Retirement AdministrationAdminister benefits enrollments and life status changes; ensure HRIS accuracy and vendor eligibility feeds.Assist with open enrollment and distribute enrollment materials; determine employee eligibility.Respond to employee and manager inquiries on plan provisions, claims, status changes, and 401(k) enrollments and contributions (including catch-up contributions).Enroll employees with carriers and manage ongoing benefits-related communications.Compliance, Reporting & Process ImprovementMaintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and benefits regulations.Manage payroll tax filings, wage garnishments, and benefit-related reporting.Partner with HR and Finance to reconcile payroll/benefits data and improve processes to increase accuracy and efficiency.Perform quality checks of benefits-related and payroll data.Employee Support & CoordinationBe a primary point of contact for payroll- and benefits-related questions for employees and managers.Conduct new-hire orientations covering payroll and benefits enrollment.Resolve discrepancies and provide clear guidance on payroll policies, deductions, timekeeping, and benefits.Additional Responsibilities & ExpertiseAuditing Skills: Must be able to conduct regular audits to ensure clean, audit-able benefits data.Systems Experience: Proficiency in platforms like ADP Workforce Now or specialized benefits software preferred.Analytic Thinking: Ability to participate in salary/benefits surveys and work with brokers to conduct market benchmarking to ensure EPIC Health remains competitive.With healthcare regulations constantly evolving, this person serves as an internal compliance resource and must maintain a strong understanding of:Federal LawsERISAACACOBRAHIPAAState-Specific KnowledgeMichigan and Illinois employment laws and leave requirementsQualificationsRequired2–4 years payroll processing experience and/or 2+ years HR/benefits administration experience (combination preferred), ideally in a multi-site or high-volume environment.Practical knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, FMLA/ADA, and benefits administration.Experience with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP).High attention to detail, strong organizational and time-management skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience.PreferredBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or related field.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or related certification.Experience with multi-state payroll and healthcare workforce environments.Why Join EPIC Health?Competitive compensationComprehensive benefits package401(k)Generous PTO & holidaysProfessional growth opportunitiesOpportunity to help build scalable HR infrastructure in a growing healthcare organization