The Payroll and Benefits Specialist oversees payroll operations, benefits administration, and leave of absence programs. This role ensures accurate payroll processing, compliance with employment laws, and effective management of health, retirement, and time-off programs, including FMLA and other statutory leaves. This person is also responsible for employee compliance administration and functional reporting. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties: 

Payroll Management 

• Process and review payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, changes to pay rates, salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes timely. Accurately calculating wages, bonuses, commissions, and deductions. 

• Ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner, including new hires, terminations, and changes to employee information. 

• Prepare and distribute payroll reports, statements, and summaries for management and/or the accounting department. 

• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding payroll and benefits inquiries, providing excellent customer service and resolving issues promptly. 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and monitor changes in laws and regulations related to payroll and benefits.  

• Collaborate with Accounting and Finance departments to reconcile payroll and benefits data, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate reporting. 

• Assist in the development and implementation of payroll and benefits policies and procedures. 

• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in payroll and benefits administration 

• Facilitates tax filings, garnishments, and payroll audits. 

Benefits Administration 

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other Benefits initiatives.  

• Support the annual benefits open enrollment process, including communication to employees and coordination with benefit vendors. 

• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollment, changes, and terminations. 

• Provide recommendations and support Wellness program activities. 

• Balance monthly insurance invoices and submit to Accounting for processing. 

• Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, and other benefits laws. 

Leave of Absence Administration 

• Administer all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, state-specific leaves, company leave policies, and workers' compensation leave. 

• Calculate leave of absence payments, update leave tracking, and process payments in payroll system. Ensure proper pay calculations during leave (e.g., PTO, unpaid leave). 

• Track leave status changes, update systems, and monitor compliance. 

• Communicate leave rights and responsibilities to employees and managers. 

• Ensure compliance with federal and state leave regulations and company policy. 

• Serve as the point of contact for employees on leave-related questions and documentation. 

Compliance & Reporting 

• Maintain accurate payroll, benefits, and leave documentation. 

• Prepare reports for audits and regulatory agencies. 

• Stay current on changes in employment, tax, and leave laws. 
  

 Other Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field. 

• 3–5 years of proven experience as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist or in a similar role. 

• In-depth knowledge of payroll processing, tax regulations, and benefits administration. 

• Strong understanding of HR and payroll systems software (SAP and/or AD), and processes. 

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to perform complex numerical calculations.  

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information. 

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines. 

• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. 

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees at all levels. 

• Proficient in using the MS Office suite. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

• None 

Travel Requirements 

• Anticipated domestic travel 0%-10%. 

Preferred Requirements 

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is a plus. 

Physical Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is in an office. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.