Payroll and Benefits Specialist - Human Resources

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is a critical, high-level administrative role responsible for managing the integrity, compliance, and strategic functioning of the organization's multi state payroll system. This role requires the consistent exercise of discretion and independent judgment in interpreting complex federal, state, and local regulations and applying those interpretations to company policies and procedures. The position is the primary internal professional on payroll, payroll issues, benefits, compliance audits, and system configuration decisions. PAYROLL: Manages payroll and handles complex payroll issues involving regulatory compliance in multi-state and location environment (e.g., garnishments, multi-state tax setup, executive compensation reporting, and retroactive pay calculations) Proactively interpret new or changing FLSA, state wage and hour, and tax laws, and develop, recommend, and implement changes to internal payroll policies and system configurations to maintain compliance Manages and resolves highly escalated, non-routine payroll discrepancies that require in- depth analysis of policy, law, and system logic, often setting precedents for future pay practices Manage processing and compliance of timekeeping records, deductions, garnishments, commissions, bonuses, and other pay adjustments Develop and maintain accurate payroll records and reports in multiple systems Conduct regular internal audits and comprehensive reconciliations of both Payroll and Benefit data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with internal controls and external regulations Research, analyze, and resolve all federal, state, and local payroll tax notices and discrepancies, coordinating with relevant agencies as needed Complete any applicable tax registrations for new jurisdictions Execute all year-end payroll processing procedures, including the thorough review and reconciliation of W-2s and associated tax forms, ensuring accurate and compliant distribution Enter, maintain, and process information in the HR/Payroll systems, including employees’ demographic information, compensation data, time and attendance, deductions and withholding, address changes, and other information Build custom reports in ADP Workforce Now as requested by Human Resources, Accounting and Senior Management Team Manage varying projects and deadlines to ensure expectations are met Establish and maintain payroll controls and payroll related procedures Coordinate, manage, and execute the annual Open Enrollment process, as well as the continuous benefits enrollment for all new hires, ensuring timely and accurate employee elections Perform analysis work as needed with Excel VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables Prepare, collect, organize and review data for plan audits and renewals Minimum of 5 years’ payroll and benefit experience preferred. Possession of at least a high school diploma or equivalent is required and a post-secondary degree or college classes in accounting is preferred. Demonstrated aptitude for problem-solving, basic accounting principles knowledge, documentation skills, research, resolution skills, data analysis and multi-tasking skills are essential. The ability to work without any monitoring or supervision. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite applications. Very strong user or power user in Microsoft Excel is a must. Therefore, must have the ability to travel domestically via operating a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver license and driving record which is acceptable to our insurance provider. Must have a vehicle in good working condition and ensure it meets all safety, insurance, and legal requirements. The ability to travel by plane and/or overnight travel may also be required. Ability to communicate orally and written in a clear, concise and effective manner with the benefit vendors, account representatives, company representatives, management, employees, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one and group settings. Ability to use a telephone for communication. Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance at the facility. Use office equipment such as a personal computer, copier and facsimile machines. Sufficient manual dexterity required to operate equipment. Normal range of tolerance to household and other types of typical industrial/ construction chemicals and solvents. Must have the ability to travel by plane, operate a motor vehicle, maintain a valid state motor vehicle driver license, and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle driving record. Overnight travel may be required. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, protected veteran status, marital status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with The Company, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io.