Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Location: Sarasota, FL Salary: $70,000 – $75,000

Why This Payroll and Benefits Specialist Opportunity Stands Out

• Join an award-winning Top Workplace recognized for its people-first culture and commitment to employee success.
• Enjoy a best-in-class benefits package, including a generous 401(k) match, company-paid insurance, wellness programs, and additional perks.
• Build your career with a stable, growing organization backed by more than 50 years of success and industry leadership.
• Payroll and Benefits Specialist will partner directly with the CHRO and executive leadership team in a highly visible role with meaningful impact and influence.
• Take ownership of payroll, benefits, HRIS, and compliance in a dynamic position offering broad exposure across key HR functions.
• Lead benefits and open enrollment initiatives that directly enhance the employee experience and contribute to organizational success.

Key Responsibilities for the Payroll and Benefits Specialist

• Own and administer the end-to-end bi-weekly payroll process for approximately 300 employees, including commissions and bonus payments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and an exceptional employee experience.
• Administer comprehensive employee benefits programs, including enrollments, life events, deductions, vendor relationships, and ongoing employee support.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity, oversee system configurations, and generate workforce reporting to support HR operations and business decision-making.
• Lead compliance-related activities and audit preparation, including ACA, 401(k), EEO-1, unemployment, workers' compensation, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary resource for employee and manager inquiries related to payroll, benefits, HRIS, leave administration, and HR policies.
• Payroll and Benefits Specialist will support annual open enrollment and benefits communications, helping drive employee engagement and a positive benefits experience.

Qualifications for the Payroll and Benefits Specialist

• 3-5 years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, HRIS, human resources, or a related analytical HR/finance environment.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll and working within HRIS platforms to manage employee data, reporting, and system administration (UKG preferred).
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with exceptional organizational skills and a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and process excellence.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, benefits administration, and HR best practices, with the ability to navigate complex employee situations confidently.
• Experience supporting audits, regulatory reporting, and compliance initiatives, including maintaining accurate records and ensuring data integrity.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively support employees, managers, vendors, and leadership while handling sensitive information with discretion.