Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees and the administration of the company's employee benefits programs. This role ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and serves as the primary point of contact for employee questions regarding pay, deductions, and benefits enrollment. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong understanding of payroll software, and excellent communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

I. Payroll Administration

· Process bi-weekly payroll for all salaried and hourly employees using the company’s payroll system, Paylocity.

· Review and verify all payroll inputs, including timecards, new hires, terminations, transfers, status changes, and pay rate changes.

· Calculate and process all forms of pay, including regular wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and severance pay.

· Ensure accurate calculation and deduction of federal and state income taxes, FICA, and all voluntary deductions (e.g., medical premiums, 401(k) contributions, garnishments).

· Process, reconcile, and manage all mandated and voluntary payroll deductions and remittances (e.g., child support, tax levies, 401(k) funding).

· Prepare and reconcile year-end reporting, including W-2s, and coordinate with the Accounting/Finance department for general ledger reconciliations.

· Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation in accordance with legal requirements and company policy.

II. Compliance and Reporting

· Stay current with federal, state, and local tax and wage laws (e.g., FLSA) to ensure full compliance.

· Complete all necessary government and compliance reporting related to payroll and benefits, including but not limited to 401(k) non-discrimination testing data, ACA reporting, and annual audits.

· Respond to and resolve employee and management inquiries regarding payroll and benefits in a timely and professional manner.

· Partner with HR and management to ensure proper internal controls related to timekeeping and payroll procedures are followed.

Required Qualifications

· Education: Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered.

· Experience: 3+ years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a multi-state environment.

· Technical Skills:

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
• Solid understanding of payroll tax laws and benefits regulations (ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA).

Preferred Qualifications

· Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification.

· Experience with Paylocity (preferred not required).

Skills and Competencies

· Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and thoroughness in processing large volumes of data.

· Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

· Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain complex regulations to employees.

· Organization: Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.

· Problem-Solving: Proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving payroll and benefits discrepancies.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Controller.

***Flexible Availability on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person