Payroll & Benefit Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering payroll and employee benefits programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company policies. This role serves as a key resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, leave administration, and related HR matters. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist maintains accurate employee records, processes payroll transactions, coordinates benefits enrollment, and supports a positive employee experience through responsive and confidential service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration -

•Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and on schedule.

•Review timesheets, attendance records, shift differentials, and payroll adjustments for accuracy.

•Maintain payroll records and employee data within the HRIS and payroll systems.

•Assist with the processing of new hires, promotions, compensation changes, transfers, and terminations in payroll systems.

•Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational payroll regulations.

•Prepare and reconcile payroll reports and assist with audits.

•Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

•Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and distribution.

Benefits Administration -

•Administer employee health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and other benefit programs.

•Coordinate benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, annual open enrollment, and employee communications.

•Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and concerns.

•Maintain accurate benefits records and ensure timely processing of enrollment and status changes.

•Coordinate with benefits providers and brokers to resolve eligibility and coverage issues.

•Assist with leave administration, including FMLA, state leave programs, and company leave policies.

•Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions.

Human Resources Support - 

•Maintain employee personnel files and confidential employee information.

•Generate reports related to payroll, benefits, headcount, and workforce metrics.

•Assist with HR compliance activities, audits, and regulatory reporting.

•Support onboarding and offboarding processes related to payroll and benefits.

•Develop and maintain payroll and benefits procedures and documentation.

•Stay informed of changes in employment laws and benefits regulations.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

•Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.

•Minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, human resources, or related administrative functions.

•Experience with HRIS and payroll management systems preferred.

•Healthcare industry experience preferred (if applicable).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•Strong understanding of payroll practices and employee benefits administration.

•Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws.

•Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

•Strong organizational and time-management skills.

•Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

•Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

•Ability to analyze data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues efficiently.

•Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.