Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Role: Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Location: Auburn, CA Hybrid (3 days onsite)

Job Type: Full-Time/Regular - Direct Hire

Salary: Hourly Pay: $34.00-$38.00

Benefits – very strong for employees

Overview

We're seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist for a direct-hire, hybrid opportunity in Auburn, CA (3 days onsite). This role is responsible for processing payroll, administering employee benefits, ensuring compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, reconciling payroll and benefits data, and serving as the primary point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of payroll experience, 1+ year of benefits administration experience, strong Excel skills, and experience with UKG Ready or a similar HRIS. This position offers $34.00–$38.00/hour plus an excellent employee benefits package.

Duties:

• Calculate, process and audit payroll and benefit transactions in the HRIS system including changes to salaries, benefits, direct deposits, garnishments, deferred compensation, taxes, and other deductions.
• Audit and correct timesheets in the HRIS system. Follow up on missing or incorrect timesheets.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees with payroll and benefits-related questions.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of new hires, terminations, life change events and changes to pay rates.
• Prepare and report payroll tax deposits.
• Prepare and post payroll journal entries to the general ledger.
• Reconcile monthly insurance invoices to payroll records and the general ledger. Calculate and enter adjustments as needed.
• Prepare off-cycle payroll checks for terminations.
• Present on behalf of the Payroll & Benefits team at New Employee Orientation. Prepare presentation materials, as needed.

Experience and Skills

Qualifications:

• Three years payroll administrator experience or equivalent.
• One year experience in employee benefits coordination or equivalent.
• Demonstrated understanding of Federal and State payroll tax laws, and payroll best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including strong Excel skills.
• Experience with UKG Ready or similar HRIS and electronic timekeeping systems.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to perform complex assignments independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to interact effectively with all levels of management and peers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in accounting or finance.
• CPP certification is highly desirable.