Human Resources Benefits & Payroll Specialist

The HR Benefits & Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing all aspects of payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave-of-absence management for all employees across Brandt Hospitality Group. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and exceptional employee support by serving as a trusted resource for payroll, benefits, and leave-related matters. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and skilled at balancing analytical tasks with strong customer service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Payroll Administration

• • Complete full-cycle payroll processing for weekly and biweekly payrolls across multiple state locations ensuring accuracy and compliance within a fast-paced, 24/7 hospitality environment.
  • Review timekeeping data for completeness and accuracy with property support to validating hours worked, overtime, PTO, shift differentials, and special pay categories for employees operating in 24/7 environment.
  • Support property managers and supervisors in maintaining accurate timekeeping practices, troubleshooting system issues, and ensuring adherence to established timekeeping and scheduling guidelines.
  • Ensure full compliance with hospitality-related wage and hour regulations, including tip credit rules, service charge distribution laws, multi-state tax requirements, union agreements, meal/rest break rules, overtime calculations, and split-shift premiums.
  • Audit payroll data prior to submission, identifying and resolving discrepancies related to hours worked, wage calculations, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
  • Maintain accurate employee payroll records and ensure proper application of benefits-related deductions.
  • Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and managers, providing clear explanations and resolving issues regarding pay, deductions, adjustments, and timekeeping.
  • Manage year-end payroll processes, including reviewing and validating W-2 and 1095-C forms, coordinating corrections, and ensuring all reporting deadlines are met

Benefits Administration

• • Administer all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including COBRA, ACA, state-mandated leave programs, and other applicable laws.
  • Maintain up-to-date employee benefits files and process benefits changes accurately and timely.
  • Handle benefits billing, reconcile discrepancies, and coordinate directly with insurance carriers and vendors to ensure accuracy.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors and third-party administrators.
  • Perform quality assurance checks on benefits-related data to ensure accuracy and integrity.
  • Create and implement employee and manager communication to promote understanding of available benefits, plan changes, and enrollment processes.
  • Coach and counsel managers, HR team members, and employees regarding benefit options, program details, claim issues, and policy questions.

Benefits Processes & Employee Support

• • Lead annual Open Enrollment planning, communication, and execution.
  • Manage qualifying life event (QLE) changes, ensuring proper documentation and timely processing.
  • Coordinate benefits onboarding for new hires and benefit terminations for exiting employees.
  • Assist employees with claims issues, provider inquiries, and general benefits education.

Leave of Absence (LOA) Management

• • Process and administer all leave-of-absence requests, including medical, personal, disability-related, state-required leaves, and FMLA.
  • Interpret and apply FMLA and state leave laws to ensure accurate and compliant management of employee leaves, accommodations, and return-to-work procedures.
  • Maintain accurate LOA documentation, track leave timelines, and communicate with employees, managers, and third-party administrators as needed.
  • Assist in all other assigned job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent work experience).
• 3+ years of experience in payroll processing and benefits administration preferred; multi-state payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ACA, COBRA, and state leave regulations.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems; UKG experience is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

BENEFITS

• PTO with immediate accrual
• Hotel Discounts Worldwide
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Voluntary Options – Critical Illness/Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Short Term Disability/Legal
• Employer Sponsored Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) with immediate match
• Double Time for Holidays Worked
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Dependent Care FSA