Payroll and Benefits Administrator

Payroll And Benefits AdministratorRelay is the Intelligent System of Action for the physical economy. While the digital revolution has often left the deskless workforce behind, we are closing that gap by transforming analog frontline operations into a data-rich, AI-powered ecosystem. We aren't just selling radios, we're building the digital foundation for the 80% of the global workforce that doesn't work at a desk.Relay is looking for a detail-oriented, people-first Payroll and Benefits Administrator to join our People Services team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Compensation, you will own day-to-day payroll processing, HRIS data integrity, and benefits administration for a U.S. workforce of 250+ team members. This is a hands-on, high-accountability role for someone who takes pride in accuracy, is a reliable resource for team members, and is ready to grow within a modern, technology-forward People function.This role is fully onsite five days a week, reflecting the relationship-driven nature of the work and the importance of being present for teammates and the Relayers we support.What You'll Do:Payroll Processing & AdministrationOwn end-to-end semi-monthly payroll processing for 250+ U.S. team members in UKG: execute all transactions (new hires, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, 401(k) contributions, garnishments), run pre-processing audits, and resolve discrepancies before each cycle locks.Apply pay policies accurately across PTO accruals, disability pay, workers' compensation, and tax withholding exemptions.Prepare payroll journal entries and supporting schedules for Finance during month-end close.Own W-2 and 1095-C preparation, year-end payroll reconciliation, and quarterly payroll tax filings.Register for new state withholdings and unemployment accounts; resolve state/IRS tax notices as needed.HRIS Data IntegrityMaintain accurate team member records in UKG across the full lifecycle; run routine data audits to catch discrepancies before they create downstream payroll or compliance issues.Follow established system workflows and automation configurations; flag integration breakdowns or anomalies to the Senior Manager for escalation.Generate standard and ad hoc reports for People Services, Finance, and leadership; adhere to all data security protocols, including HIPAA and applicable state privacy requirements.New Hire Onboarding & Team Member SupportOwn UKG setup for all new hires: profiles, tax withholding, direct deposit, and benefit deductions, verified before the first pay cycle runs.Partner with the Workplace Experience Manager to deliver a seamless onboarding experience; serve as the payroll and benefits point of contact during new hire orientation.Follow up proactively on missing documents (I-9s, tax forms, benefit elections, direct deposit authorizations) to prevent errors before they occur.Benefits AdministrationOwn day-to-day administration of all health benefit plans, 401(k), and the wellness program: enrollment processing, qualifying life events, terminations, and monthly invoice reconciliation.Serve as the first point of contact for team member benefits questions and claims navigation; escalate complex issues to the Senior Manager and work directly with Relay's broker to maintain clear communication and support our team members' claim process.Own annual open enrollment: system configuration, employee communications, and post-enrollment data audits.Execute compliance actions: COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA-compliant enrollment record maintenance, NDT, 5500 filings, 401(k) audit, and other annual compliance filings as needed.Work directly with Relay's benefits broker on maintaining an on-going relationship and scheduling annual strategy sessions to review plans, costs, and how to support our team members in the best way.Leave of Absence — Routing & Payroll IntegrationRoute leave inquiries to the appropriate resource (HR, broker, or third-party leave administrator); process approved leave pay actions and benefit deduction adjustments within UKG.Track leave dates in HRIS; maintain accurate payroll and benefits status throughout the leave period and flag discrepancies between approved documentation and payroll data.Compliance & Audit SupportMaintain organized, audit-ready records for all payroll transactions, benefit enrollments, and team member changes.Support external audits by providing accurate data schedules and transaction documentation; participate in HRIS access reviews with IT and Security.Stay current on payroll regulations and benefits compliance requirements; surface relevant changes to the Senior Manager.What We're Looking For:Required3–5 years in payroll processing, benefits administration, or HRIS data entry; UKG or comparable platform experience strongly preferred.BA/BS in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or related field; or equivalent experience.Working knowledge of U.S. payroll fundamentals: tax withholding, deductions, garnishments, and pay period reconciliation.Familiarity with core benefits compliance: COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA data handling.Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data validation); comfort with sensitive data and strict confidentiality protocols.Strong organizational skills and a zero-error mindset; able to manage multiple concurrent deadlines without dropping detail.Demonstrated nimble, tech-savvy approach to system and process management by leveraging our core stack, including Notion, Google Workspace, and AI tools such as Claude and Gemini.PreferredFull employee lifecycle experience in payroll and benefits (onboarding through offboarding).Exposure to HR system integrations, automated workflows, or HRIS configuration, even in a supporting role.Experience supporting external audits or preparing financial reconciliation schedules.FPC certification or working toward CPP; experience in a high-growth or scaling company environment.How You Operate:Precision & Accuracy: You treat every data field as important because it impacts someone's paycheck.Reliability: Team members count on you to follow through every time.Proactive Communication: You flag issues early and keep stakeholders informed rather than hoping problems resolve themselves.Service Orientation: You treat every employee question as an opportunity to reduce anxiety and build trust.Eagerness to Learn: You embrace new systems and tools and actively develop your capabilities in a tech-forward function.Discretion: You handle sensitive employee data with confidentiality and professionalism at all times.A Note on GrowthThis role is designed to grow alongside Relay. As we scale toward 500 employees, we expect the right person to deepen ownership of payroll operations, benefits compliance, and HRIS integrity over time. As volume grows, we anticipate expanding administration capacity — freeing this role to go deeper on systems, reporting, and operational excellence. We are actively investing in HR technology and AI-enabled tools, and this person will help shape how this function operates at scale.About Relay | Culture, Benefits & PerksOur culture hinges on Relayers getting LIT up in an environment that fosters Learning, Impact, and Teamwork, where we CHASE the best work of our lives. We call this BWIML (Best Work In My Life).At Relay, we offer:100% Paid Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Long/Short Term Disability, and Life Insurance for you and your dependentsGenerous Paid Time Off401(k) Savings Plan + Company MatchBaby Cash Reward + Paid Parental LeaveWellness Perks: If you're joining our Raleigh-based HQ, you'll have access to a world-class onsite fitness center with instructor-led classes, plus tennis, basketball, pickleball, and cyclingTeam Events & Culture: From company celebrations to team outings, we work hard and have fun doing it.Latest tech, standing desks, and all the tools and software you need to thrive