Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

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.

Key Responsibilities

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 prior to 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, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of 35 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.

Benefits

• Due to the nature of the work and applicable government contracts, this position is limited to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) as defined by applicable law.
• As a federal contractor, CR Daniels abides by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Upon accepting a position with CR Daniels, new employees must pass a drug screen prior to their first day of work.

About Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC)

AAWDC is a nonprofit corporation that provides innovative, high-quality workforce development services to Anne Arundel County businesses and residents. We are the bridge between understanding the workforce and talent development needs of local and regional businesses and preparing individuals to meet their full career potential. Our Business & Industry Solutions team provides various services to the local business community, and one of them is recruitment assistance. Therefore, the job postings in this section are not directly associated with our organization; instead, they are featured here as a service for one of our business partners.

Our Hiring Process

Stage 1: Applied

Stage 2: Review

Stage 3: Referred to Business

Stage 4: Interview

Stage 5: Hired

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Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation