Payroll & Benefits Specialist

LIFE AT PACIFIC LIFESTYLE HOMES

Experience the difference of being part of the Pacific Lifestyle Homes family. As a two-time recipient of the prestigious Building Industry Association "Builder of the Year" award and the esteemed National Housing Quality Gold Award, we are more than just a homebuilder – we are dedicated to BUILDING BETTER LIVES. From our humble beginnings in 1996, we have grown to construct over 6,500 homes and 130 communities across SW Washington, the Portland Metro area, greater Puget Sound area, and the Boise Metro landscape. Join us and build your career with a company committed to excellence and community impact.

JOB MISSION

Pacific Lifestyle Homes is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team, responsible for delivering accurate, timely payroll processing, ensuring compliance, and providing exceptional employee support. This full-time role offers a strong opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience and overall operational excellence. Reporting to the Human Resources Director, the Payroll & Benefits Specialist will play a critical role in supporting our workforce through precise payroll administration and effective benefits coordination.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Payroll Management and HRIS Administration: Oversee accurate bi-weekly payroll processing for all employees, covering salaries, bonuses, timecard entry, commission reconciliation, benefits, deductions, and garnishments in Paylocity. Maintain payroll databases and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Develop Excel-based payroll reports for senior leadership, ensuring compliance with workers' compensation requirements for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as applicable local taxes. Administer and maintain the HRIS database, coordinating external EDI feeds and implementation processes.
• Benefit Administration: Collaborate with the Human Resources Director to align total rewards with company goals, contributing to employee retention and satisfaction. Work closely with external partners, such as benefit brokers and insurance providers, to negotiate terms and ensure optimal service delivery. Support contract evaluation and renewals as needed. Administer health and welfare plans, including enrollments, changes, and terminations. Lead the annual open enrollment process, ensuring clear communication of benefits. Conduct comprehensive benefits orientations for new hires to promote understanding of available health, retirement, and wellness options. Process and reconcile benefits documents through payroll for accurate deductions and record-keeping, including COBRA management. Manage offboarding benefit options and ensure clear communication of benefits continuation options.
• Leave Administration: Support administration of employee leave programs, including tracking and maintaining accurate documentation in compliance with company policies and applicable laws
• Employee Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding payroll, benefits, and related policies, providing timely support and guidance while escalating more complex issues as needed.
• Data Accuracy & Auditing: Audit payroll and benefits data to ensure accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Recognition and Rewards Programs: Expand wellness programs to include mental health resources, fitness subsidies, flexible work schedules, and childcare support, contributing to holistic employee well-being. Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), providing access to confidential counseling, legal, and financial support services. Develop recognition programs to reward performance, milestones, and contributions, implementing non-monetary rewards like service awards and other cultural or engagement-driven programs.
• Budget Coordination: Develop and manage the total rewards budget, tracking the financial performance of reward strategies and adjusting as necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Accounting and Administrative Support: Administer the Concur Expense Reporting program, providing support and troubleshooting for new users. Process vendor setup forms promptly, ensuring timely vendor onboarding. Review and approve VPA payments, maintaining accurate financial records. Administer the Corporate Credit Card program, providing support and troubleshooting for new users.
• Safety Program Support: Act as the Human Resources point of contact for safety matters, including participation in monthly Safety Committee meetings. Review and advise on workers’ compensation claims, coordinating with relevant parties to ensure proper handling. Support safety-related communications and help address employee concerns to promote a safe work environment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2 years of full-cycle payroll experience, including payroll processing and compliance.
• Minimum of 1 year of accounting or bookkeeping experience, or related work experience.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar HR certification preferred.
• Proficiency in Paylocity is strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Excel spreadsheets. Experience with Concur, DocuSign, and Adobe Pro is required.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities, capable of effectively interacting with diverse individuals and teams.
• Demonstrates reliability, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing environments and requirements.
• Strong understanding of Federal and multi-state tax requirements, wage and hour laws, and leave laws.
• Proven ability to securely handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.

WHY WORK HERE

BENEFITS

• Company supported medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and families
• Participation in our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with Company contributions
• New home discount
• 120 hours of paid time off for the first year
• Seven paid holidays
• Paid volunteer hours
• Employee Recognition Program
• Employee Referral Bonus - Up to $1,000
• Engaging company culture – Including our annual “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
• And much more!

OUR CULTURE / VALUES

At Pacific Lifestyle Homes, our vibrant culture defines who we are. We believe in the power of open communication, where every voice is valued and heard. With a strong emphasis on personal growth, we offer one-on-one coaching, regular reviews, and prioritize internal promotion whenever feasible. Our actions are guided by our core values of respect, accountability, candor, humility, integrity, and teamwork, shaping every decision we make and every interaction we have.

Build your career at Pacific Lifestyle Homes, where we are committed to the idea that a skilled team can build homes and communities that withstand the test of time. Picture yourself driving by our neighborhoods a decade from now, brimming with pride knowing you played a vital role in their creation. Do not miss the opportunity to make a lasting impact with us!

For additional information about Pacific Lifestyle Home’s Company Culture and how it can enrich your career, we invite you to view the video at the following link: https://youtu.be/Hud-5EsJ2fw

WORK ENVIRONMENT

We foster a collaborative, in-person work culture with a general schedule of 8:00am – 5:00pm, including a required daily in-person team huddle at 8:00am.

Our dress code and appearance policy reflect our commitment to professionalism and our dedication to maintaining a premier standard as a homebuilder.

Prior managerial reference checks, background check and a pre-employment drug screen are required steps in our hiring process.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.