Payroll & Benefits Specialist

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting Wilcox’s HR department. Responsibilities span various areas including administrative tasks, benefits, recruitment, and payroll processing. Roles & Responsibilities Process biweekly payroll accurately and timely, ensuring proper deductions, adjustments, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Oversee all payroll-related compliance activities, including federal, state, and local tax reporting, filings, and audits to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements. Conduct regular audits of payroll and benefits data, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions. Administer all health, welfare, and retirement plans, including enrollments, changes, terminations, and employee education. Assist department in negotiating benefit plan renewals with carriers by preparing data, evaluating plan performance, and supporting cost‑analysis activities; partner with HR Manager to coordinate and execute all Open Enrollment tasks, including employee communication, system updates, and enrollment processing. Serve as the primary liaison between employees and insurance providers, resolving benefits‑related inquiries and issues. Maintain benefit records, prepare required reports, and ensure accurate file retention in accordance with agency and defense‑contractor requirements. Support HRIS data entry for payroll, benefits, and employee information; ensure data accuracy and integrity. Process benefits and payroll‑related documentation, including new hire setup, status changes, and terminations. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulatory reporting, and company policies. Assist employees in understanding payroll, deductions, benefit coverage, and eligibility. Support performance review tracking and general HR administrative tasks as needed. Perform other duties as assigned to support HR operations. Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, accounting, or related field, plus 2+ years of payroll and benefits experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong knowledge of payroll processing, benefits administration, and relevant compliance requirements. Experience with ADP or comparable HRIS/payroll system preferred. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism with all levels of employees. Strong analytical skills with exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to meet daily, weekly, and monthly deadlines. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to identify issues, troubleshoot discrepancies, and recommend effective solutions. Strong computer skills, including HRIS, payroll software, and Microsoft Office Suite. Must be able to sit for extended periods and perform data‑intensive tasks; routine use of standard office equipment required. Regular on‑site attendance and ability to work overtime as needed. As Wilcox is a U.S. government defense contractor, this position requires access to export‑controlled technology; candidates must be legally authorized for such access. Physical Requirements Must be able to sit for extended periods of time. Required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and information, viewing a computer and expansive reading. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Wilcox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr