Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Summary:

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a key role in ensuring accurate payroll processing and effective benefits administration for all employees. This position is responsible for supporting payroll & benefit operations, benefits reconciliation, and employee communications. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a working knowledge of HRIS systems, payroll regulations, and benefit plan management. This role requires a proactive self-starter who can independently manage responsibilities, prioritize competing deadlines, and consistently follow through on assigned work with minimal supervision.

---

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration:

• Participate in biweekly payroll processing. • Serve as a primary data auditor in payroll processing (e.g., punch imports, payroll data audits). • Handle payroll adjustment requests submitted through the HERO system. • Handle incoming employee and manager inquiries. • Assist with finance and payroll-related audits. • Perform ongoing HRIS system cleanup and maintenance to ensure data accuracy. • Manage unemployment claims processing and tracking. • Support other internal HR/company initiatives as needed. • Independently manage assigned responsibilities and ensure tasks are completed accurately and within established deadlines.

Benefits Administration:

• Reconcile all monthly benefits invoices and ensure timely funding (medical, dental, vision, etc.). • Process 401(k) updates, funding, and reporting; assist with annual 401(k) audit. • Reconcile and fund FSA/HSA accounts accurately and on schedule.

• Conduct enrollment and verification reminder outreach to employees. • Manage Leave of Absence (LOA) intake, tracking, communication, and outreach to employees. • Monitor and manage benefit arrears and coordinate with payroll for accurate deductions. • Update employee benefit eligibility in the HRIS system following qualifying events and employment changes. • Administer Dependent Verification processes to ensure benefits compliance. • Oversee programs such as Border Cares and Vacation Donation. • Manage and respond to Benefits HERO requests. • Handle medical support notices in accordance with legal requirements. • Proactively identify follow-up needs, manage priorities independently, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.

---

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (preferred). • 2–4 years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration. • Working knowledge of payroll tax laws, benefits compliance, and HRIS platforms (Dayforce experience a plus). • Proficient in Microsoft Excel (specifically Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP formulas). • Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills. • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision. • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines consistently and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment. • High level of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail. • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

---

Work Environment:

· Hybrid

· Standard office hours with flexibility required during payroll processing periods and audits.