Payroll and Benefits Specialist

stow Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to oversee the full-cycle administration of payroll and employee benefits for a growing multi-state workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining employee records within the HRIS, administering employee benefits, coordinating leave programs, and providing exceptional service to employees while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and company regulations. stow Manufacturing is the third entity of stow Group in the US. As this entity continues to grow to more than 200 employees, this is a new role specifically for this entity/location. This position will play a critical role in supporting our expanding workforce through accurate payroll administration, benefits coordination, and process improvement. Payroll Administration Process bi-weekly payroll for hourly employees and semi‑monthly payroll for salaried employees. Manage all aspects of the payroll cycle, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on schedule. Review, audit, and resolve timekeeping and attendance discrepancies. Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Process status changes including new hires, promotions, transfers, compensation, and terminations. Prepare and maintain payroll reports and respond to payroll-related inquiries both internal and external. Provide customer service by being the primary point of contact for employees for pay-related issues. Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information. Benefits Administration Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and COBRA. Coordinate Open Enrollment activities in partnership with the benefits broker and management. Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and benefit terminations. Reconcile benefit invoices and assist with resolving benefit discrepancies. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and education. Responsible for generating per-payroll 401(k) data entry. Assist in 401(k) administration and auditing. HR Administration Complete new hire onboarding paperwork and HRIS data entry. Process employee terminations, including issuance of separation notices and required documentation. Administer leave of absence programs (PTO, sick, parental, paid, unpaid, etc.) in accordance with company policy and applicable laws, including Family & Medical Leave Act. Maintain accurate employee personnel, payroll, and benefits records. Ensure HRIS information remains accurate and up to date. Assist with HR audits and maintain compliance documentation. Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy. Qualifications Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive payroll and benefits administration experience. Experience supporting a manufacturing environment. Experience processing Georgia payroll. Experience administering employee benefits and coordinating annual Open Enrollment. Strong working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll regulations, FMLA, COBRA, and applicable employment laws. Experience using HRIS and payroll systems, preferably Paylocity. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management skills. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting strict payroll deadlines. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism. Ability to adapt in a fast‑paced and frequently pivoting environment. Preferred Experience supporting a rapidly growing organization. Experience within a start‑up environment. Experience in processing multi‑state payroll. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Ability to communicate effectively with employees throughout the organization. Benefits & Compensation PTO, sick leave, 11 US paid holidays. Medical (currently BlueCross BlueShield), Dental and Vision Insurance, including Family coverage. Company paid Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance. Company Paid Life Insurance. Company Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment. 401(k) with employer match, currently 4%. Partial Tuition Reimbursement after 12 months. Tabacco Free Campus. Stow US provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. stow prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr