Benefits/Payroll Specialist

Position Overview

Reporting to the HR Director, the Payroll & Benefits Specialist will manage payroll processing, benefits administration, employee records, and HR operations. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who can work independently, maintain confidentiality, and ensure a seamless employee experience across the entire employee lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process weekly payroll in partnership with the organization's payroll provider.
  
• Ensure accuracy of employee data, deductions, bonuses, and payroll adjustments.
  
• Audit payroll reports and resolve discrepancies.
  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries.
  
• Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, audits, and reconciliations.
  
• Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
  

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and wellness plans.
  
• Manage benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and employee changes.
  
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits questions.
  
• Oversee the full employee benefits lifecycle from onboarding through separation.
  
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and employee communications.
  
• Ensure a compliant, accurate, and employee-focused benefits experience.
  

Employee Support

• Maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS.
  
• Support onboarding and offboarding activities, including documentation and system setup.
  
• Assist with leave administration, including FMLA, PFML, and other leave programs.
  
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws.
  
• Provide responsive, approachable, and service-oriented HR support to employees.
  

HR Systems & Reporting

• Maintain data integrity across HRIS and payroll systems.
  
• Generate HR reports related to headcount, turnover, and benefits participation.
  
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and operational efficiency.
  

Schedule

• Monday through Friday
  
• 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
• Fully onsite
  

Qualifications

• 4–6+ years of experience in HR operations, payroll, or benefits administration.
  
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing and employee benefits administration.
  
• Experience using HRIS and payroll systems such as UKG, ADP, Paylocity, or similar platforms.
  
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll and employment compliance; Massachusetts experience is a plus.
  
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
  
• Comfortable working independently within a small HR team.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting organizations with approximately 50–200 employees.
  
• Experience administering FMLA, PFML, or other leave programs.
  
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
  

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available immediately.
  
• 401(k) with company match.
  
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
  
• Annual safety shoe stipend.
  
• Long-term career growth with an established and growing organization.
  
• Collaborative, inclusive workplace that values teamwork and professional development.