HR Payroll Benefits Specialist

StuartCo, founded in 1970, represents a diverse array of market-rate and affordable apartment and townhome options in popular urban and suburban locations. We also offer senior housing campuses.

StuartCo is focused on building a workforce that is diverse and inclusive. If you’re excited about this role but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply. We review all applications.

StuartCo Corporate Office is looking to hire a full-time Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team in Bloomington, MN. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and the administration of employee benefits programs. This role manages semi-monthly payroll, serves as the primary contact for payroll and benefits inquiries, administers leave programs, and maintains employee records in compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to confidentiality and exceptional internal customer service.

Working Hours

Typically, FT40, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, with a scheduled lunch break. Property office hours may vary from property to property. You may be expected to flex your hours to meet the demands of the business.

Benefits: Health, Flexible Spending Account, Dental, Vision, Life, ADD, LTD, STD, Critical Illness, Accident, and 401(K).

9 Paid Holidays

Generous PTO accruals

https://www.stuartco.com/careers

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and the administration of employee benefits programs. This role manages semi-monthly payroll, serves as the primary contact for payroll and benefits inquiries, administers leave programs, and maintains employee records in compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to confidentiality and exceptional internal customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process and review semi-monthly payroll to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain payroll data and coordinate with payroll service providers as needed.
• Review employee changes, timesheets, and payroll adjustments.
• Calculate and validate payroll control totals and payroll reports.
• Issue manual checks and investigate payroll discrepancies.
• Track PTO eligibility and usage.
• Respond to employee payroll and direct deposit inquiries.
• Process employment verifications, garnishments, and payroll tax reporting.
• Prepare ad hoc payroll reports and assist with audits as required.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Audit and reconcile monthly benefit invoices and employee deductions.
• Coordinate with benefit brokers, vendors, and carriers.
• Respond to employee benefit inquiries and verification requests.
• Ensure accurate payroll deductions related to benefits.

Leave & Disability Administration

• Coordinate and administer FMLA, MN PFML, STD, and LTD programs.
• Determine eligibility, prepare documentation, track leave usage, and communicate with employees and vendors.
• Monitor benefit eligibility and premium payments during leaves.
• Track PTO and unpaid time associated with employee leaves.

Reporting, Compliance & Records

• Prepare and distribute payroll, benefits, and labor reports.
• Maintain payroll and benefits process documentation.
• Maintain personnel, payroll, I-9, EEO, and benefits records in accordance with company policy.
• Assist with EEO 1 reporting and unemployment wage verifications.
• Ensure compliance with payroll, benefits, HIPAA, and employment regulations.

Training & Support

• Participate in New Hire Orientation by providing payroll and benefits information.
• Train managers and employees on payroll and timekeeping processes.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• 2+ years of payroll and human resources experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll and employment regulations.
• Experience with payroll systems; Paylocity experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Windows-based applications.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage frequent interruptions and meet deadlines.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Key Competencies

• Payroll and benefits accuracy.
• Attention to detail and accountability.
• Confidentiality and professional judgment.
• Customer service orientation.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Adaptability and continuous learning.