Payroll & Benefit Specialist

PAYROLL AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Reports to: VP - People Success

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

SUMMARY

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely administration of payroll and benefits for employee owners. This role is responsible for processing weekly payrolls, maintaining compliance with financial and regulatory standards. The position may also administers aspects of benefits--including enrollment, claims resolution, changes, budgeting, and invoice approvals—serving as a key liaison between employee owners. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, knowledgeable in payroll and benefits best practices, and committed to delivering a high level of service to internal stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Responsibilities

• Process, review, and balance weekly payroll. Ensure payroll transactions are processed correctly for time, earnings, benefits, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and other items that affect pay and/or company liability.
• Maintain accurate payroll data in the HRIS.
• Conduct payroll-related discussions during offboarding, terminating employees in the HRIS system, and managing transitions.
• Update employee change requests.
• Run appropriate payroll related reports
• Communicate to leadership and develop plans for payroll improvements
• Maintain current payroll standard operating procedures.

Benefits Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of the company’s total benefits package and actively educate and promote these offerings to Employee Owners (EOs).
• Administer all benefit programs including insurance, 401(k), and ESOP. 
• Serve as a resource for EOs by consulting on benefit eligibility, answering questions, and assisting with inquiries. Conduct benefits discussions during EO onboarding and offboarding to ensure a smooth transition for EO’s, and timely enrollment or cancellation of benefit coverage.
• Review and process monthly insurance bills.
• Support all activities for annual benefits open enrollment including: evaluate benefit offerings, update HRIS, coordinate EO informational meetings, create and distribute materials, and ensure timely processing of benefit changes. 
• Educate employees on healthcare decision-making.
• Complete and process benefit, salary, and HR-related surveys.

People Success Responsibilities

• Handle confidential benefit-related information with sensitivity and discretion.
• Stay informed on changes to federal and state laws related to payroll and benefits and report impacts to the VP of People Success.
• Support administration of leave programs.
• Assist and prepare correspondence to external parties regarding employment verifications and child support (garnishments).

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to maintain 100% CONFIDENTIALITY and professionalism with payroll and personnel information – zero tolerance for divulging confidential information
• 5 + years of experience in human resources, preferably including benefits and payroll experience
• Thorough knowledge of Gross to Net Payroll and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Extremely organized and detailed oriented
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage tight and evolving deadlines
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail required
• Highly proficient with computers and technology Including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom, Web-X, Outlook, Smartsheet and other software and platforms as required 
• Internet savvy with the ability to navigate and manage employee benefits changes on multiple carrier websites

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is typically performed in normal office conditions. 
• Some overnight travel is required for this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made. 

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time in front of a computer daily
• Must have visual and hearing acuity. Ability to use hands and fingers to reach, lift and carry 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment including a computer
• Ability to speak to, hear, and understand others via phone and in person in English