Payroll - Benefits Administrator

Job Summary
The experienced Payroll and Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and the comprehensive administration of all employee benefits programs. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and acts as a primary contact for employees regarding payroll and benefits inquiries. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of handling confidential information with discretion and a deep knowledge of payroll and benefits software and processes.

Primary Responsibilities

Payroll Administration:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for all employees, including new hires, terminations, changes in pay, bonuses, and special payroll runs.
• Ensure the accuracy of all employee data in the payroll and Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
• Process payroll deductions for benefits, taxes, garnishments, and other pre- and post-tax items.
• Prepare and file all required federal, state, and local tax documents (e.g., W-2s) and maintain tax compliance.
• Perform periodic audits of payroll records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and data integrity.
• Create and distribute various payroll reports for accounting and management.

Benefits Administration:

• Administer and manage all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and other plans.
• Assist with the entire open enrollment process, including vendor coordination, employee communication, and system configuration.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees, answering questions about benefits eligibility, coverage, and claims.
• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations related to employee benefits in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist with vendor relationships and reconcile monthly benefit invoices to ensure accurate billing.
• Administer and track employee leave programs, such as Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability(LTD).

Compliance and Reporting:

• Stay up-to-date with federal and state laws and regulations related to payroll and benefits, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, and COBRA.
• Ensure all payroll and benefits documentation and processes adhere to company policies and legal requirements.
• Prepare government-mandated filings and reports for submission.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and employee benefits.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of dedicated experience in multi-state payroll and benefits administration.
• Proven experience working with a payroll and HRIS platform (Paycom, Paylocity).
• In-depth knowledge of federal, multi-state, and local payroll and benefits regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially advanced Excel functions like VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.

Skills and Competencies

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision is required for processing sensitive financial and personal information.
• Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to handle confidential employee information with the highest degree of discretion and integrity.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational abilities to manage multiple deadlines and projects effectively.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain complex information to employees and vendors.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to identify, investigate, and resolve payroll and benefits discrepancies efficiently.
• Collaboration: A team player who can work effectively with HR, accounting, and external vendors.