Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Description Neal Communities is proud to be recognized as the 2025 Top Workplace in Sarasota & Manatee Counties! Where you work matters! We are a family company, we love what we do, and it shows! We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven individual to join our team as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist in Sarasota. In this role, you will be responsible for accurately processing payroll, administering employee benefits programs, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and prior experience managing payroll systems and employee benefits in a fast-paced environment. This is an on-site position.

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT NEAL COMMUNITIES:

The People! We take tremendous pride in making a positive difference in our team's lives. Our employees are not just an asset to Neal Communities and its customers; they are essential to the success of our business Outstanding Benefits - Health Care - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage Employer Paid Life Insurance Supplemental Insurance Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance 401(K) with Company Matching Contributions PTO & Paid Holidays Employer Paid ID Theft Protection Employee Home Purchase Discount Program Tuition Reimbursement Program Employee Wellness Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Pet Insurance Employee Service Awards

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Payroll / Reporting / HRIS / Analytics Process and audit bi-weekly payroll utilizing HRIS software, ensuring accuracy of earnings, deductions, and employee data Ensure payroll processing complies with applicable federal, state, and company requirements, including wage and hour rules, deductions, and reporting Review, reconcile, and validate payroll data prior to processing, including timekeeping, PTO, benefit deductions, and compensation changes Maintain payroll, HRIS, and employee data records; perform reconciliations and ensure accuracy of employee status, compensation, benefits, and reporting fields Generate payroll, benefits, compensation, census, and headcount reports as needed to support HR, Accounting, and leadership Maintain primary responsibility for HRIS data integrity, payroll setup, benefit deductions, and reporting accuracy Create and maintain complex spreadsheets, logs, and tracking tools used for payroll, benefits, compensation, and reporting Analyze payroll, benefit, and HRIS data to identify discrepancies, trends, and reporting needs, and support audits, reporting, and business decisions Process employment verifications, unemployment claims, and related documentation Ensure accurate processing of final pay, adjustments, and special payroll transactions Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and HR records Respond to employee and manager questions related to payroll, benefits, and HRIS in a timely and professional manner Compliance Prepare and support annual and periodic reporting including 1095, 5500, EEO-1, workers compensation, unemployment, and other required filings Assist with benefits census reporting and 401(k) data submissions Administer and track employee leave programs, including FMLA and other protected leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws; coordinate documentation with the HR Coordinator, with final determinations made in consultation with the CHRO Serve as primary HR contact for payroll, HRIS, benefits, and leave-related compliance; maintain required records and lead preparation for internal and external audits Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and company requirements related to payroll, benefits, leave, and employee data Maintain data required for ACA tracking and reporting, including eligibility and measurement periods Collaborate with the CHRO on HR initiatives, reporting, and compliance matters Benefits Administration Administer employee benefit programs, in coordination with the HR Coordinator for documentation and employee support, including enrollments, changes, reporting, invoice reconciliation, and renewal support Work with brokers, carriers, and HRIS to maintain accurate benefit records and payroll deductions Lead the annual open enrollment process in coordination with the benefits broker, including planning, communication, system configuration, and reporting Coordinate with the benefits broker to organize annual benefits meetings, health fair, and related employee benefit initiatives HR Systems Maintain HRIS (UKG preferred), including employee records, payroll setup, reporting, and system data integrity Create reports and data exports from HRIS for payroll, accounting, and management use Troubleshoot HRIS issues and coordinate with system support as needed Ensure data accuracy across payroll, benefits, and HRIS systems Review and verify payroll and benefit-related billings; assist with journal entries, reconciliations, and related reporting Maintain tracking spreadsheets related to compensation, benefits, and employee data General Consult with the CHRO on complex payroll, leave, compliance, or employee data matters; maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information Coordinate workflow with the HR Coordinator to ensure accurate onboarding, employee data updates, payroll, benefits, and reporting Support HR initiatives, reporting projects, and process improvements as assigned All employees will support the organization’s mission and vision by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration and innovation, respect, commitment to the community, accountability and ownership.

WHAT YOU BRING:

3–5 years experience in payroll, HRIS, benefits, or related analytical HR/finance role required Strong analytical ability and attention to detail required Advanced Excel skills required, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis Experience with HRIS / payroll systems required (UKG preferred) Experience with payroll processing, reporting, or reconciliations strongly preferred Experience supporting audits, reporting, or compliance filings preferred Ability to work with confidential data and meet strict deadlines Strong organizational and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General sedentary work requiring the use of office equipment such as computers, copiers, printers, scanners and telephones Position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, grasping, writing, typing, repetitive motions, hearing ability, visual acuity, and climbing stairs on occasion May occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds We are an Equal Opportunity and a Drug-Free Workplace Employer. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Neal Communities