Payroll and Benefits Specialist

For over 108 years, C.R. Daniels, Inc. has been a diversified U.S. manufacturer specializing in textile, plastic, and metal fabrication. We serve a broad range of customers, including government and commercial customers, by delivering high-quality, engineered products built to precise specifications. We are seeking an experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources Department. This position serves as the primary resource for all payroll and benefits administration, ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing, administration of employee benefit programs, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, maintains confidentiality, and is committed to providing exceptional service to employees while supporting the HR Generalist with day-to-day Human Resources operations. Position Summary The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for independently managing the Company's full-cycle payroll and employee benefits administration. This position serves as the primary point of contact and internal resource for payroll and benefits, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining appropriate payroll controls and documentation, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The position also supports the HR Generalist in administering Human Resources programs and services. Independently manage and process full-cycle payroll from timekeeping review through payroll submission, verification, funding, reconciliation, and post-payroll reporting, including pay rates, salaries, bonuses, commissions, time worked, paid leave, deductions, tax withholdings, and employee record updates. Review and reconcile employee timekeeping records and work with supervisors and Human Resources to resolve discrepancies involving hours worked, overtime, paid time off, and other payroll inputs before payroll processing. Ensure payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, garnishments, charitable contributions, and other authorized deductions are processed accurately. Reconcile payroll registers and payroll-related accounts and coordinate with Accounting on general ledger and bank reconciliations. Process payroll adjustments, including replacement checks, direct deposit corrections, and final paychecks as needed. Develop, document, and maintain payroll procedures, processing calendars, internal controls, and backup processes to ensure payroll accuracy, consistency, and continuity. Prepare and process federal and state payroll tax deposits in accordance with applicable regulations. Coordinate and verify year-end payroll processing, including W-2s, employee information, payroll tax reporting, and other required year-end payroll activities. Conduct employee benefits orientations and guide the benefits self-enrollment system. Maintain employee benefits records and ensure benefit elections and changes are accurately entered into the payroll system for payroll deductions. Respond to employee payroll and benefits inquiries, including questions related to enrollment, claims, deductions, and other benefit-related issues. Serve as the primary employee resource for benefits enrollment, eligibility, payroll deductions, qualifying life events, and coordination with benefit providers and brokers as needed. Assist the HR Generalist with benefits renewals, reporting, compliance activities, and other Human Resources projects as assigned. Ensure required employee benefit notices are distributed in accordance with applicable regulations. Maintain organizational charts, employee directories, personnel records, and other Human Resources reports. Assist the HR Generalist with maintaining and digitizing employee records and providing administrative support for Human Resources projects as assigned. Maintain accurate employee payroll and HRIS records, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, tax elections, deductions, benefit elections, and other employee status changes. Support payroll and benefits audits, identify and resolve discrepancies, and prepare payroll and Human Resources reports as requested. Perform other related duties as assigned. Skills & Qualifications Required Qualifications Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience independently processing full-cycle payroll and administering employee benefits. Experience processing payroll from start to finish, including payroll taxes, deductions, reconciliations, and year-end processing. Hands-on experience using ADP Workforce Now and integrated timekeeping systems; ability to independently process payroll within ADP Workforce Now is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including wage and hour requirements, with experience supporting multi-state payroll strongly preferred. Experience administering employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision. Strong customer service skills and a commitment to providing timely, accurate support to employees. Preferred Qualifications Associate degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), SHRM-CP, PHR, or other relevant professional certification. Experience with payroll system implementations, upgrades, or process improvements. Experience with payroll audits, benefit audits, and regulatory reporting. Physical Requirements & Work Environment Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, and use hands for typing and handling documents and office equipment. Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and listening Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds Benefits and Compensation Pay Range: $30.00-34.00 per hour Company-paid life insurance 401(k) with match and profit sharing Paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time Equal Opportunity Employer C.R. Daniels, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or expression, marital status, citizenship/immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr