Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

The Compensation & Benefits Specialist is responsible for designing, administering, and continuously improving the organization's total rewards programs, including payroll, benefits, retirement plans, and compensation administration. This role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time while delivering competitive, compliant, and employee-focused benefit programs that support business growth and employee engagement. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Manage the end to end payroll process for all employees, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll data, taxes, deductions, and general ledger reporting.
• Audit payroll transactions to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Oversee payroll system maintenance, testing, and process improvements.

Compensation

• Administer compensation programs including salary structures, market benchmarking, and pay adjustments.
• Conduct compensation analyses to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Support annual merit increases, promotions, and compensation planning.
• Prepare compensation recommendations and reporting for leadership.
• Maintain job grades, salary ranges, and compensation documentation.

Benefits Administration

• Oversee all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellness initiatives.
• Manage annual Open Enrollment from planning through implementation.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit questions and issue resolution.
• Partner with benefit brokers and vendors to ensure high quality service and program effectiveness.
• Monitor benefit utilization, costs, and recommend enhancements.

401(k) Administration

• Administer the company's 401(k) retirement plan and ensure compliance with plan requirements.
• Coordinate eligibility, enrollments, employer contributions, and employee communications.
• Partner with plan administrators to complete annual audits, testing, and required filings.

Compliance & HR Operations

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FLSA, IRS regulations, and other applicable laws.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits.
• Maintain accurate employee records and confidential information.
• Develop and document payroll and benefits policies and procedures.
• Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency and enhance the employee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive experience managing payroll, compensation, and employee benefits.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, benefits administration, and retirement plans.
• Experience administering 401(k) plans and Open Enrollment.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (ADP preferred)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), SHRM CP/SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification.
• Experience in a high growth or healthcare environment.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and benefit renewals.