Payroll & Benefits Specialist

HR Specialist - Payroll & Benefits

HOURLY: $26.50-$30.00 per hour depending on experience
Incredible work/life balance.
Great work culture
Up to 3 weeks Paid Time Off to start
9 Paid Holidays Annually
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
401(k) with Employer match
Apply today!

THE ROLE

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist provides administrative and operational support for payroll and employee benefits programs. This position assists with payroll processing, employee data maintenance, benefits administration, and employee inquiries while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with company policies and applicable federal and state regulations.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, managers, employees, and benefit vendors to maintain accurate records and support positive employee experience.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Payroll Administration

• Preparation and processing of bi-weekly payroll.

• Review timecards and payroll data for completeness and accuracy.

• Process new hire, termination, pay rate, and employee status changes.

• Maintain payroll records and employee documentation.

• Process garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other involuntary deductions.

• Audit payroll reports and identify discrepancies for correction.

• Respond to employee payroll-related questions in a timely and professional manner.

• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities.

• Assist with payroll reconciliations and reporting requirements.

Benefits Administration

• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.

• Maintain employee benefit records within HRIS and vendor systems.

• Coordinate eligibility reviews and required documentation.

• Support annual open enrollment activities and employee communications.

• Assist employees with benefit questions and direct them to appropriate resources.

• Reconcile benefit invoices and identify discrepancies for resolution.

• Coordinate with benefit carriers and third-party administrators regarding eligibility, billing, and claims issues.

• Assist with COBRA administration and required benefit notices.

• Support 401(k) enrollment, changes, and reporting activities.

HR and Compliance Support

• Maintain confidentiality of employees, payroll, and benefits information.

• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, benefit regulations, and company policies.

• Prepare reports, audits, and documentation as requested.

• Maintain accurate electronic and paper personnel files.

• Assist with HR projects, audits, and process improvement initiatives.

• Support leave administration and employee status tracking as assigned.

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives involving Payroll, HR, Finance, and Operations.

• Performs other duties as assigned

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:
HR Operations Manager & Comp & Benefits Manager

Direct Reports:
None

Key Partners:
HR Business Partners, HR Operations, Compensation & Benefits, Payroll, Operations Leadership

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Education & Experience

Required

• Minimum of 1-3 years of payroll, benefits, HR, accounting, or related administrative experience.

Preferred

• Experience using HRIS and payroll systems preferred.

• UKG, Kronos, or similar workforce management experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of payroll principles, wage and hour regulations, and employee benefits administration.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.