Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Who is CADY?

CADY exists to inspire and unleash human potential. Started in 1999, we have become the fastest growing photography company in the U.S., with an average 20% growth each year. Through photography, classroom solutions, school branding, and more, we deliver an experience unlike anything in our industry. We are an innovative company competing to outdo ourselves, year after year. As the nation’s premier school photography company, we engage with students, schools, and our team members to make them feel accepted and empowered. CADY’s mission is to go beyond a portrait and to provide a premier experience for the extraordinary- because each of our guests, school partners, and team members are utterly extraordinary. 

Who are you? 

You are an ambitious, detail-oriented team member who finds joy in making meaningful connections with people. You have a true passion for creating memorable experiences for people. You see beyond the surface of interactions and recognize that every person has a story and the idea of being a part of that is exciting! You enjoy working hard and celebrating hard. You love the opportunity to exceed expectations- and be rewarded for your contribution to the company!

Job Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly and bi-weekly payroll for salaried, hourly, and contract employees. This role ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy by managing timecard reviews, data entry, reconciliations, and payroll adjustments. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist also partners with employees and finance to resolve discrepancies, respond to payroll-related inquiries, and support reporting, audits, and continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Responsibilities

1. Process end-to-end payroll transactions accurately and on schedule, including salaries, hourly wages, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, taxes, benefits, and other deductions
2. Enters and maintains payroll data, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and other employee updates.
3. Reviews and reconciles timekeeping data, ensuring accuracy of hours, approvals, and adjustments prior to payroll processing.
4. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and company policies.
5. Prepares and maintains payroll records, reports, and documentation to support audits and reporting requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Supports payroll system updates and recommends process improvements when needed.
• Processes payroll cycles, including paychecks, direct deposits, and pay cards.
• Assists with processing PTO, bonuses, reimbursements, and benefit-related payroll items (HSA/FSA, deductions, etc.).
• Researches and resolves payroll discrepancies, including missing or incorrect pay issues.
• Processes off-cycle payrolls and manual checks as needed.
• Ensures proper setup of employee earnings, deductions, and tax configurations.
• Supports year-end activities, including W-2 preparation and reporting support.
• Assists with multi-state tax updates and payroll compliance requirements.
• Responds to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information.
• Supports audits by gathering and providing payroll documentation.
• Assists with basic HRIS updates and People Operations projects as needed after payroll processing.
• Reviews and audits benefit deductions to ensure accuracy and proper payroll integration.
• Assists employees with benefit-related questions, including eligibility, coverage, and deductions.
• Supports open enrollment processes, including system setup, employee communications, and data validation.
• Assists with COBRA administration and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Supports leave of absence tracking and benefits continuation, including coordination with payroll for deductions and arrears.
• Maintains accurate benefit records and ensures compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Assists with benefits reporting, audits, and documentation as needed.

Job Requirements 

Qualifications/Skill Requirements 

• Experience processing payroll in a high-volume, hourly workforce environment
• Strong knowledge of payroll procedures, wage and hour laws, and basic compliance requirements
• Experience with multi-state payroll and tax processing preferred
• Familiarity with Paycom HRIS or similar payroll systems is a plus
• Strong Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and basic formulas/functions
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail)
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and calculations
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to research and resolve payroll issues
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to support employees and respond to payroll inquiries.
• High degree of discretion and ability to handle confidential information
• Working knowledge of benefits administration, including COBRA, leave management, and benefit deductions/payroll integration
• Customer-service mindset with a focus on supporting employees and internal partners
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred
• Payroll certification (e.g., FPC or CPP) is a plus but not required 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Extended periods of viewing computer screens
• Moderate noise and other potential sensory stimulants (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, music, and light foot traffic)
• Able to bend or stoop as needed