Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Department: Administrative Operations
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Role
The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing the full payroll and benefits cycle with accuracy, compliance, and attention to detail. This role serves as the primary point of contact for all payroll and benefits matters, supporting HR operations to ensure alignment between people, processes, and policy.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

• Manage full-cycle payroll processing, including timesheet validation, data entry, audits, and final processing.

• Serve as the main contact for payroll questions, discrepancies, and adjustments.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.

• Process off-cycle and special payrolls as needed.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and partner with Finance for reconciliations and reporting.

• Prepare and review payroll-related reports (taxes, deductions, garnishments, etc.).

• Support audits, quarterly, and annual reporting, including W-2s.

• Train supervisors and managers in Paycom on timesheet approvals, time-off requests, and related tools.

Benefits

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.

• Manage enrollments, changes, and terminations accurately and timely.

• Conduct routine audits to ensure data integrity and compliance.

• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits inquiries.

• Coordinate COBRA notifications, life insurance conversions, and portability options.

• Partner with brokers, vendors, and HR on open enrollment and ACA reporting (1095-Cs).

Human Resources Support

• Assist with onboarding, HRIS data maintenance, and employee record updates.

• Support policy implementation and HR procedures.

• Assist with short-term disability, long-term disability, and workers’ compensation paperwork.

• Participate in HR projects and process improvements.

• Perform other administrative or special assignments as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of both education and experience.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Paycom or similar HRIS/payroll systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of payroll tax regulations and benefits administration processes.

Core Competencies

• Inclusiveness and teamwork

• Adaptability and self-development

• Service-mindedness and stewardship

• Motivation and sound ethical judgment

Schedule
Ability to work between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., as needed.