Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for processing employee payroll under the supervision of the HR Director, providing information to new and current employees, providers, and administrators, coordinating employee benefits, and resolving benefit, retirement, reporting, and reconciliation issues.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

Payroll Processing

• Prepare and oversee the weekly payroll process, including reviewing all data in the timekeeping software and coordinating with managers to resolve discrepancies
• Review payroll for accuracy prior to processing
• Record payroll changes such as pay rate updates, status changes, exemptions, insurance coverage, and other benefits and deductions to maintain accurate master payroll records
• Prepare periodic reports of earnings, hours worked, and overtime
• Prepare, file, and ensure timely payment of 403(b) reports after each pay period
• Prepare and file the Annual Unclaimed Property report to the State of Texas; confirm and issue tax forms on a timely basis

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs in compliance with carrier contracts, including enrolling new employees, explaining benefit options, mediating eligibility and payment issues, and facilitating open enrollment
• Distribute benefit-related documents including open enrollment packets, new/change forms, COBRA, FMLA, and retirement forms
• Maintain a wide variety of benefit records including provider contracts, claim files, and employee records to ensure an up-to-date reference and audit trail
• Reconcile enrollment forms and billings to employee records for COBRA, disability, retirement, health, and FMLA to ensure accurate eligibility and payment information

Compliance & Documentation

• Process documentation for requests from outside agencies and parties, including court-ordered adjustments, employment verifications, and subpoenas of payroll records
• Resolve discrepancies in payroll information and documentation with benefit providers and internal stakeholders to ensure accuracy of records and employee payments

Supervisory Duties

None

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• All individuals must pass a drug screen.
• A criminal background check is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and pass a motor vehicle report.
• Must be willing to use a personal vehicle to travel between retail, donation, and other Goodwill-owned properties as needed.
• Must be willing to accept instructions and carry them out with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work and cooperate with others.

Education and/or Experience

Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. High school diploma or GED required at minimum. At least one year of administrative and payroll experience strongly preferred. Experience with payroll software systems strongly preferred; Paycom experience a plus.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum one year of payroll and/or benefits administration experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of standard payroll policies, procedures, and regulations strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including intermediate Excel skills
• Strong data entry and word processing skills
• Experience with payroll software systems; Paycom experience preferred
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in handling sensitive employee and financial data
• Ability to identify discrepancies and implement corrective procedures

Core Competencies

• Payroll Accuracy & Compliance
• Confidentiality & Data Integrity

• Benefits Administration
• Attention to Detail

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically required to:

• Sit and work at a computer for extended periods to process payroll, enter data, and prepare reports
• Communicate verbally and in writing with employees, benefit providers, and external agencies
• Occasionally lift or move office supplies, files, or boxes generally up to 20 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Noise levels in the work environment range from quiet to very noisy
• Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting at Corporate Headquarters

Discrimination Reports


It is the policy of Heart of Texas Goodwill to ensure equal employment opportunity in accordance with all state and federal regulations and guidelines. Employment discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age (40 years old or more), genetic information, military status, or veteran status is illegal. Any employee who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Compliance Officer.


Point of Contact: Compliance Officer 1700 S New Road, Waco TX 76711 View phone number on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io