Director of Payroll & Benefits

Under the direction of the Director of Human Resources and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Director of Payroll & Benefits is responsible for the strategic administration and operational management of payroll, benefits, and human resource information systems (HRIS) across the Association. This position ensures payroll accuracy and compliance, oversees employee benefits programs, maintains the integrity of employee data and HR systems, and develops processes that support efficient and effective human resources operations.

The Director of Payroll & Benefits serves as a key resource and liaison to Administrative Specialists, Center Executives, Program Executives, Finance staff, and employees to ensure accurate payroll processing, benefits administration, employment record maintenance, and regulatory compliance. This position promotes operational excellence through effective process management, system oversight, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of three (3) years of progressive payroll administration experience required. Prior experience administering employee benefits programs required. Prior experience working within an HRIS required; Dayforce experience preferred. Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations. Working knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and wage and hour compliance requirements. Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, with the ability to learn new systems and technologies. Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information. Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Understanding and appreciation of the YMCA as a mission-driven organization. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required within 60 days of hire. Complete and maintain required YMCA trainings, including New Staff Orientation (NSO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment Prevention. Satisfactory completion of criminal background, credit, and Child Protective Services checks.

Essential Functions:

Leadership & Administration

Support the mission, vision, values, and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. Promote a professional working environment by modeling YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Serve as the Association's subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, and HRIS administration. Maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for payroll, benefits, and HRIS processes. Train and support HR Generalists, Administrative Specialists, and designated center staff on payroll, benefits, and HRIS procedures. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, compliance, reporting, and employee service delivery.

Payroll Administration

Own payroll accuracy and end-to-end payroll processing for the Association. Ensure timely and accurate execution of all payroll cycles, including audits and approvals. Audit pay templates and compensation entries for new hires and employee status changes to ensure accuracy and equity. Process compensation changes, payroll adjustments, corrections, and retroactive payments as needed. Administer garnishments, tax withholdings, and other required payroll deductions. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and payroll regulations. Generate and distribute biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports. Administer year-end payroll processes, including payroll audits, tax reporting, and W-2 preparation and distribution. Coordinate with the HRIS/payroll vendor to ensure system functionality and payroll accuracy. Process employment verifications in accordance with YMCA policy.

Benefits Administration

Administer all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans. Manage benefit eligibility, enrollments, status changes, and terminations. Provide benefit information and enrollment support to newly eligible employees. Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, including employee communication and education. Partner with the Association's benefits broker to administer benefit plans and resolve employee benefit issues. Review and process monthly benefits invoices, ensuring accurate billing, reconciliation, and reporting. Administer YMCA Retirement Fund participation and related reporting. Ensure benefit deductions are accurately reflected in payroll and maintained within the HRIS.

HRIS & Data Management

Serve as the HRIS data integrity lead for the Association. Maintain accurate employee records, employment documentation, pay templates, workflows, and system controls. Monitor HRIS functionality and recommend process improvements, automation opportunities, and system enhancements. Generate and analyze HR, payroll, and benefits reports to support informed decision-making. Ensure accurate maintenance of personnel records and employee data in accordance with organizational requirements. Support onboarding and termination processes within the HRIS and related systems. Utilize HRIS reporting tools to monitor required trainings, certifications, and employee compliance requirements.

Collaboration & Compliance

Partner with Finance to ensure accurate payroll posting, account reconciliation, and reporting timelines. Work collaboratively with HR staff, Administrative Specialists, and operational leaders to ensure accurate employee data and payroll processing. Oversee compliance related to employment eligibility verification processes and onboarding requirements.

Additional projects and other related duties as assigned.

YMCA Competencies (Multi-Team):

Engaging Community Communication & Influence Inclusion Collaboration Emotional Maturity Critical Thinking & Decision Making Developing Self & Others Philanthropy Change Leadership Fiscal Management

Skills and Ability Requirements:

Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate information from policies, regulations, reports, and other business documents. Ability to respond effectively and professionally to inquiries, concerns, and requests from employees, leaders, and external partners. Strong mathematical aptitude and ability to perform payroll calculations, reconciliations, and financial analyses. Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues with limited direction. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding personnel, payroll, and benefits information. Ability to travel to YMCA centers and participate in Association meetings and events as needed.

Effect on End Results:

Employees are paid accurately and on time through efficient payroll administration and compliance oversight. Employee benefits programs are administered effectively, with timely enrollments, accurate deductions, and exceptional customer service. HRIS data remains accurate, secure, and reliable for operational and strategic decision-making. Payroll, benefits, and HR processes are standardized, documented, and consistently followed throughout the Association. Productive partnerships exist between Human Resources, Finance, and operational leaders. The Human Resources Department is viewed as responsive, accurate, and service-oriented by employees and leaders. Continued professional growth and operational excellence are demonstrated in support of YMCA goals and objectives.