Payroll and Benefits Specialist

We are seeking a Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist to join the EPIC Fitness Group team. Epic Fitness Group operates 69 Planet Fitness franchise locations in Michigan, Northern Ohio and Illinois. As a member of the corporate staff, you will experience a very collaborative environment, working in our Northville office, at least 3 days per week, with our hybrid work schedule. Benefits include a 401(k) with generous employer match, profit sharing, medical, dental and vision insurance and a FREE Black Card membership to the clubs.About the RoleThe Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team and serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for payroll taxes, benefits compliance, and employee inquiries. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver best-in-class HR operations, and is cross-trained to support multi-state payroll processing and 401(k) plan management. This individual will also contribute to special projects, auditing, reporting, and HR initiatives, on a regular basis.Essential Job Functions & ResponsibilitiesPayroll Processing & ComplianceServe as backup to process payroll accurately and on schedulePartner with HR Systems and Payroll Specialist to drive HRIS enhancements and efficienciesValidate accuracy of all payrolls prior to submissionProactively manage multi-state payroll tax processing, including tax account setup, SUTA rate management, and timely upload of tax rate notices in HRISStay current on existing and new payroll tax legislation and changing lawsLead and perform audits of payroll and employment tax dataManage resolution of tax matters with HRIS, States, Localities, and Federal entitiesMonitor HRIS Tax Center for Notices and bring them to resolutionServe as the primary contact for all payroll tax mattersComplete BLS monthly voluntary payroll reporting (including 12th-of-month) and quarterly multi-worksite wage reportingMonitor and report on employee hours and status on a bi-monthly basisServe as backup for PTO loads and accruals; anticipated to take full ownership in the futureProcess PAFs including pay changes, status changes, promotions, demotions, and transfers401(k) Plan AdministrationServe as backup and validator to HR Systems and Payroll Specialist for the organization's 401(k) plan, including deferral and loan processingBenefits AdministrationLead benefits administration including new hire enrollment and qualifying life eventsManage all aspects of annual benefit open enrollment in conjunction with benefit broker and insurance carriers; assist with plan design and premium determinationsGenerate reports, conduct audits, and ensure accuracy of all benefits enrollments, eligibility, and carrier billingLead benefits education and communications for all employeesManage COBRA, ACA, and benefits administration setup and maintenance within HRISComplete ACA annual filings (1095-C and 1094-C) for applicable entitiesManage ACA checklist and annual reporting requirements in PaycomMonitor part-time to full-time status transitions for benefits eligibilityReview and respond to National Medical Support Order (NMSO) noticesManage employee benefits deductions and payment plansOversee file feed setup through HRIS and conduct regular carrier discrepancy reportingEnsure compliance with ERISA requirements and maintain plan documentationReconcile insurance invoices monthly and prepare Excel files for AccountingCreate and manage data sets for benefits reporting and analysisResolve employee questions by interpreting benefit policies and working with Benefits broker/administratorEnsure compliance with the Affordable Care Act and other applicable state and federal benefit lawsStrategy, Vendor Management & Employee SupportResearch and analyze internal/external data relating to benefit plan elements, including market trends and benchmarksLead annual benefits strategy including renewals, vendor management, and cost optimizationDevelop and deliver clear, compelling communications for benefits and 401(k) programsCreate training, communications, and process documents to promote knowledge of benefits and 401(k) planManage broker and vendor relationships as the primary liaison for benefits partnersServe as primary responder for the Ask Here employee HR inquiry platformImplement cost containment strategies and employee education on benefit plansCollaborate with the broader HR team on special projects, initiatives, and organizational prioritiesGeneral DutiesSupport management in ad hoc reporting requestsAudit completion of checklists and documents in HRIS and conduct follow upServe as backup for HR Coordinator in setting up requisitions, I-9 processing, onboarding, and background checksTrack Fitness Trainer certifications and follow up on completion and recertificationsPartner with Accounting and Finance to support external audit complianceManage projects, training, and activities related to payroll and employee benefitsProvide prompt and courteous responses to all questions and requests for informationOther duties and tasks as assignedQualifications & RequirementsRequired5+ years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administrationDemonstrated experience with multi-state payroll tax processing and complianceStrong working knowledge of ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and applicable federal/state employment lawsExperience leading open enrollment, setup, and employee communications while managing Benefit Broker relationshipsExperience successfully managing 401(k) safe harbor plans, including audits and complianceProficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR data reportingHigh attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage competing deadlinesExcellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex topics clearly and accessiblyAbility to build trust, rapport, and credibility within the businessAbility to establish and maintain effective relationships with management, employees, and external partiesMust be at least 18 years of ageAbility to work independently in a time-sensitive, confidential environmentPreferredPaycom HRIS experience (strongly preferred)Multi-state payroll processing experience (strongly preferred)Experience with file feed management and carrier integrationsFamiliarity with BLS reporting requirementsPHR, SHRM-CP, Certified Payroll Professional, or equivalent HR/payroll certificationBachelor's Degree preferredEPIC Fitness Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr