Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Farmington Hills, MI (On-Site) Serra Ford Farmington Hills is seeking a payroll and benefits professional with deep technical expertise in full-cycle payroll processing and benefits administration. This is not a HR Generalist role. The ideal candidate has spent the majority of their career working directly in payroll systems and managing employee benefit programs, with minor Human Resources experience, and is comfortable owning both functions independently in a fast‑paced environment. This position includes multiple related duties and is NOT an HRIS only role. This position’s growth and future have the opportunity to develop into a accounting and management background in the future. Accounting background is a plus. Please note this is an in office/fully onsite position in Farmington Hills, Michigan. What We Offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401(k) with company participation Paid Time Off Employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and services Family‑owned, team‑oriented culture with growth opportunities Key Responsibilities: Process weekly and monthly payroll, including overtime, bonuses, deductions, and garnishments Maintain payroll records, reconcile accounts, and support payroll reporting and audits Ensure compliance with payroll laws and regulations Maintain payroll and benefits data integrity within Paylocity, as well as updates that come with the platform. Manage payroll and benefits setup for new hires and process offboarding changes including final pay and benefit terminations Administer benefits programs, including enrollments, changes, and 401(k) tracking Serve as a point of contact for employee benefits Oversee FMLA, workers' compensation, and compliance‑related processes Partner with third‑party vendors to ensure smooth operations Qualifications: Minimum of 1‑3 years of hands on payroll experience processing payroll and administering benefits Strong understanding of payroll practices, taxes, and compliance High attention to detail with strong organizational skills Ability to handle confidential information professionally Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) Experience with dealership DMS applications and/or Paylocity preferred Accounting experience is preferred for growth opportunities in the future. Must have direct experience running full cycle payroll, benefits enrollments, carrier invoicing, and compliance. Previous experience with payroll tax processes and compliance procedures. Core Competencies: Detail‑oriented and highly organized Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Effective communication and customer service abilities Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines Confidentiality Adaptable and proactive mindset Serra Ford Farmington Hills is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. Employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. Employment may be contingent on successful background checks and drug screenings, and applicants may be entitled to a copy of their criminal history report. Compensation is competitive and based on experience; pay will be communicated at the time of offer. We comply with all workplace safety regulations, including MISO, and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment is at‑will. This role may require prolonged standing, lifting/moving objects, and driving company or customer vehicles with a valid license and satisfactory motor vehicle record. Employees are expected to act professionally, follow policies, and understand that job duties may change based on business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr