HR: Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Summary:

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing and administering the Highmark Companies’ payroll and benefits programs. This role ensures that employees are paid accurately and on time, and that they receive the benefits they are entitled to. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist also ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations and provides support to employees regarding payroll and benefits issues.

Pay: $65K - $70K 

Location: Onsite - Savage, MN 

  Responsibilities:  

• Process and administer semi-monthly payroll for hourly and salaried employees, including timecard review, commissions, bonuses, profit-sharing, garnishments, taxes, and deductions 
• Review and reconcile payroll prior to submission; validate reports and resolve discrepancies 
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure data integrity and confidentiality 
• Manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, workers’ compensation, and voluntary benefits 
• Administer benefit enrollments, life-event changes, and coordinate annual open enrollment 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll and benefits questions 
• Coordinate employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, and Minnesota Paid Family Leave 
• Manage workers’ compensation reporting, wage submissions, and OSHA 300 log compliance 
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour regulations 
• Oversee payroll tax reporting and filings in coordination with the payroll provider (e.g., W-2s, ACA, unemployment, federal and state withholding) 
• Support audits by preparing and providing payroll and benefits documentation 
• Prepare payroll, benefits, and compliance reports for management 
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll and benefits efficiency 
• Assist with new employee orientation related to payroll and benefits when needed

Why Highmark Companies: 

• Competitive Base Salary
• Health Insurance- Company pays 100% of employee premium
• Health Savings Account
• Dental
• Vision
• Critical Illness
• Life Insurance
• Employee Discount
• 401K + Company Matching
• Paid Holidays
• Responsible Paid Time Off Policy (flexibility to take time off to balance life outside of work)
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Employee Referral Program
• Great culture and team dynamic

Highmark Companies has been named as one of the Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune in 2025! Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 79,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations. We couldn’t have gotten this amazing honor without our employees. 

Come see what it’s like to be a part of a Top Workplace! 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• Strong knowledge of payroll and benefits administration.
• Familiarity with payroll software and benefits management systems (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, Paychex, Workday).
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll and benefits laws and regulations
• Valid driver’s license 
• Must pass a background check.