Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Salary Range: $60,000 - $72,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of the Company's weekly and monthly payroll processes while serving as the primary coordinator for employee leave administration and benefits. This position works closely with the Company's Professional Employer Organization (PEO), managers, and employees to ensure payroll accuracy, benefit administration, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience throughout the employee lifecycle.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist serves as a key resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, leave programs, and HRIS administration, while maintaining strict confidentiality and providing exceptional customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll Administration

• Process accurate and timely weekly and monthly payrolls utilizing the Company's Human Resources Information System (HRIS), iSolved.
• Review payroll for accuracy, ensuring proper processing of hours worked, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll adjustments.
• Audit payroll reports and reconcile discrepancies prior to payroll processing.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with federal, state, and company requirements.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with Finance and the PEO to ensure accurate payroll reporting and compliance.

Benefits Administration

• Serve as the primary liaison between employees, the Company, and the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) regarding employee benefit programs.
• Coordinate benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, and terminations.
• Assist employees with benefit questions and provide guidance regarding available benefit programs.
• Support the annual Open Enrollment process, including employee communications, enrollment meetings, and follow-up activities.
• Audit benefit deductions and eligibility to ensure accurate payroll and benefit administration.

Leave Administration

• Coordinate all employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), ADA-related leaves, military leave, personal leave, and other applicable leave programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees requesting leaves of absence.
• Coordinate with managers, employees, medical providers, and the PEO throughout the leave process.
• Monitor leave usage, required documentation, certifications, return-to-work dates, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
• Maintain confidential leave records and ensure timely communication regarding employee leave status.

HRIS & Compliance

• Maintain employee payroll and benefit records within the HRIS, iSolved.
• Ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour laws, payroll regulations, benefit requirements, and leave administration regulations.
• Assist with payroll, benefits, and leave-related audits.
• Prepare payroll, benefits, and leave reports as requested.

Employee Support

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and leave questions.
• Provide exceptional customer service while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Assist Human Resources with employee communications related to payroll, benefits, and leave programs.
• Support additional Human Resources initiatives and projects as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of payroll, benefits, or Human Resources experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience processing payroll in an HRIS/payroll system (iSolved experience preferred).
• Experience administering employee benefits and leave programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, PFML, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, FLSA, and applicable payroll regulations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment consists of mostly office area, may need to enter manufacturing area from time to time that may have exposure to noise, varying temperatures, rubber smells, and chemicals.
• Light physical demand.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off & Sick Time
• 401K plan with 4% company match