Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Overview The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is a hands‑on individual contributor responsible for the administration of payroll, employee benefits, and the firm’s 401(k) retirement plan. This role serves as the primary resource for payroll and benefits administration, ensuring employees are paid accurately, benefit programs are administered effectively, retirement plan activities are coordinated efficiently, and all related processes comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. In addition to payroll and benefits, this position supports key Human Capital initiatives, including leave administration, HRIS management, employee lifecycle administration, and employee support. The ideal candidate enjoys owning day‑to‑day operations, solving problems, and continuously improving processes while delivering an outstanding employee experience. Department Human Capital Employment Type Full Time Location Tampa, FL Compensation $80,000 - $90,000 / year; salary plus semi‑annual bonus. Responsibilities Administer multi‑state payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll changes, bonuses, deductions, and tax withholdings. Coordinate state payroll registrations, tax notices, and other state‑specific payroll compliance requirements. Review payroll reports, reconcile payroll data, and partner with Finance to ensure payroll accuracy. Serve as the primary administrator for the firm’s employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, HSA, and other benefit offerings. Coordinate employee enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, Open Enrollment, and employee benefit communications. Serve as the primary Human Capital administrator for the firm’s employee 401(k) retirement plan, including payroll deductions, employer contributions, annual census reporting, and coordination with Empower and the firm’s Retirement Plan Services team. Support annual retirement plan audits, compliance testing, and retirement plan reporting. Coordinate leave administration, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and state leave programs. Maintain HRIS, payroll, and employee data to ensure accuracy and data integrity. Prepare employment‑related documentation, including compensation changes, employment verifications, and employee records. Generate payroll, benefits, and workforce reports to support Finance and Human Capital. Identify opportunities to improve payroll, benefits, and Human Capital processes through automation and continuous improvement. Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers regarding payroll, benefits, retirement plans, leave administration, and Human Capital policies. Qualifications Five or more years of progressive Human Resources, Payroll, or Benefits experience. Demonstrated experience administering multi‑state payroll. Experience managing employee benefit programs and Open Enrollment. Experience administering employer‑sponsored 401(k) retirement plans, including payroll integrations and annual census reporting. Strong understanding of payroll taxes, state payroll requirements, and payroll compliance. Working knowledge of employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA. Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems. Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical ability. Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build trusted relationships across the organization. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy. Location / Schedule Position will be located in Tampa, FL. Working hours are 9am–5pm Monday–Friday. Occasional evening/weekend hours may be requested per business need. Ability to travel up to 5%. Benefits 401(k) matching Dental Insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Equity #J-18808-Ljbffr