Payroll and Benefits Coordinator

Position Overview

The Payroll and Benefits Coordinator position exists to ensure payroll, benefits, and retirement operations are executed accurately, consistently, and on time across MDC and assigned client accounts. This role is the operational backbone of high-risk HR processes and maintains audit ready records, system hygiene, and procedures function as designed. The Coordinator executes within established processes resolves routine requests independently, and escalates exceptions as appropriate to maintain compliance, accuracy, and trust. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Execute end-to-end multi-state payroll processing activities on established schedules for MDC and assigned client accounts. 
• Validate, reconcile, and audit payroll reports, timesheets, leave, and earnings data for final payroll review and approval. 
• Resolve routine payroll, benefits, and HR data discrepancies within defined procedures and escalate exceptions as required. 
• Enter payroll-cycle changes, including employee status updates, pay adjustments, bonuses, and benefit related changes to ensure accurate set up and alignment across all systems prior to each payroll run.  
• Audit monthly benefits and retirement carrier invoices by reconciling employee deductions and employment contributions to payroll systems and records.  
• Execute retirement plan contribution calculations, file uploads, and data transmission to plan providers. 
• Support payroll system maintenance and implementation, including setup, testing, and validation tasks. 
• Troubleshoot routine payroll system issues and escalate configuration or compliance-related concerns. 
• Support employee payroll and benefits onboarding and offboarding activities. 
• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records, calendars, and audit-ready documentation to support established deadlines and compliance requirements. 
• Document payroll and benefits processes and maintain SOPs and checklists. 

Experience & Background 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required; relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education. 
• Minimum of 4 years of multi-state payroll and benefits administration experience. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare payroll end-to-end for review and approval. 

Core Competencies 

• Payroll & Systems Accuracy: Consistent precision across multi-state payroll preparation, reconciliations, and system execution. 
• Benefits & Retirement Administration: Accurately administers benefit deductions, reconciliations, and retirement uploads within established systems. 
• Process Discipline & Documentation: Follows established procedures and maintains clear, audit-ready documentation and SOPs. 
• Operational Judgment: Resolves routine issues independently and escalates exceptions appropriately. 
• Systems Fluency: Comfortable executing work across payroll, HRIS, benefits, and retirement platforms. 
• Organization & Follow-Through: Maintains structured, auditable work and meets recurring deadlines. 
• Professional Communication: Communicates clearly with internal stakeholders, vendors, and clients as appropriate. 
• Confidentiality & Discretion: Handles sensitive payroll and employee information responsibly.