Payroll & Benefits Specialist

About the Role:

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation and benefits within a professional services environment. This position is responsible for managing payroll operations, administering employee benefits programs, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The specialist will collaborate closely with HR, finance, and external vendors to resolve payroll discrepancies and optimize benefits offerings. By maintaining meticulous records and generating detailed reports, the role supports organizational transparency and employee satisfaction. Ultimately, this position contributes to the overall financial integrity and operational efficiency of the company’s human capital management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Proficiency with payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
• Experience working within the professional, scientific, and technical services industry.
• Familiarity with benefits administration platforms such as Workday, ADP, or similar systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in payroll data reporting and reconciliation.

Responsibilities:

• Process and verify payroll data to ensure accurate and timely payment of wages, bonuses, and deductions.
• Administer employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies, ensuring proper enrollment and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll laws and regulations to ensure organizational compliance and mitigate risk.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and benefits, providing clear and professional communication.
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to reconcile payroll accounts and prepare reports for audits and management review.
• Coordinate with external vendors and service providers to manage benefits plans and payroll systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits processes and implement best practices.

Skills:

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist utilizes their expertise in payroll systems and benefits administration daily to ensure employees are compensated accurately and receive their entitled benefits. Strong analytical skills are applied to review payroll data, identify discrepancies, and generate comprehensive reports for management. Communication skills are essential for effectively addressing employee questions and collaborating with internal teams and external vendors. Knowledge of regulatory requirements ensures compliance and reduces organizational risk. Additionally, proficiency with technology and software tools streamlines payroll processing and benefits management, contributing to operational efficiency.