Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Title: Payroll and Benefits Specialist
Compensation: $70K - $90K Salary
Location: West St. Paul, Hybrid

About The Job:

Lakeside HR Group has been engaged by our client to recruit for a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to join their team. Our client is a person-centered services organization committed to supporting employees through accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and benefits administration.

This role serves as an important connection between Human Resources and Finance. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will manage bi-weekly payroll, support employee benefit programs, oversee compliance activities, and help improve payroll processes and systems. This is an individual contributor role with no supervisory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process single-state, bi-weekly U.S. payroll accurately and on time.
• Validate timesheets, attendance records, benefit deductions, overtime calculations, and other payroll data for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare required payroll tax filings, reports, and payments, and assist with year-end payroll processing, including W-2s.
• Administer employee benefit programs, including health, life, and disability insurance, and communicate eligibility, coverage, and plan changes to employees.
• Oversee annual benefits open enrollment and monitor administrator and insurance carrier reports for compliance with plan requirements.
• Administer employee savings programs, including 401(k), personal savings, and deferred compensation plans.
• Support managers with UKG time and labor questions.
• Maintain compliance with applicable COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, provider, and organizational requirements.
• Develop and enhance payroll procedures, policies, controls, process improvements, and system enhancements.
• Complete required records, reports, and documentation with support from HR leadership.
• Handle confidential payroll, benefits, leave, and accommodation processes with discretion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least four years of experience administering payroll and benefit programs.
• Experience with UKG, including Kronos or UltiPro, and other payroll systems and software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage documentation, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to evolving work environments.
• Strong communication, judgment, accountability, initiative, flexibility, and collaboration skills.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must pass a background study in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C.
• Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to lift or move up to 20 pounds and regularly sit, stand, walk, and bend.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K
• Profit Sharing
• Basic Life/AD&D Plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays

About Lakeside HR Group:

At Lakeside HR Group, we understand that finding the right job is essential for your career success. We are a boutique-style human resources consulting and recruiting firm dedicated to providing personalized, tailored solutions. When you partner with us, you are not just getting a recruiter; you are getting the entire Lakeside team working together to support your career goals.

Partner with us at Lakeside HR Group, where we are more than just a recruiting firm; we are your partners in achieving your career aspirations.