Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionThe Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and efficient processing of employee payroll and the administration of benefit programs. Key duties include calculating and processing payroll, managing benefit enrollments, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. This role also serves as the primary point of contact for employees with payroll and benefits questions.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Administer bi-weekly and monthly payroll for hourly, salaried, and commissioned employees.
• Calculate and process all payroll deductions, including federal, state, and local taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other withholdings.
• Ensure the timely and accurate distribution of paychecks and direct deposits.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, electronic files, and employee data, including personal details, tax withholdings, and benefit elections.
• Manage employee data changes such as new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, and benefit updates.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Troubleshoot payroll errors and maintain payroll systems and software.
• Generate and maintain payroll-related reports, including payroll registers, tax filings, and year-end reports.
• Conduct annual market analyses to evaluate competitive compensation levels.
• Review job descriptions and assess employee performance to support compensation decisions.
• Assist in the design and implementation of compensation structures.
• Support employees during benefits open enrollment, life events, and other benefit changes.
• Communicate benefit information effectively through presentations, emails, and other channels.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state benefits regulations (e.g., HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA).
• Maintain benefit records and documentation, and resolve issues with insurance providers.
• Track benefit utilization, analyze cost trends, and prepare reports on key metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve compensation and benefits programs.
• Assist with audits, participate in special projects, and provide required documentation.

Required Experience

• Payroll

** Client is willing to train on the benefits side of the job if the candidate only has strong Payroll experience. **