Payroll and Benefits Specialist

About Us

Listening Ear is a mission-driven nonprofit human service agency headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. We are dedicated to supporting individuals through compassionate care, advocacy, and community-based services. Our team plays a vital role in making a meaningful difference every day.

Position Summary

Listening Ear is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Payroll & Benefits Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll processing and employee benefits administration. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, maintains HRIS data integrity (Paycom), and serves as a trusted resource for employees on payroll, benefits, and timekeeping matters.

The ideal candidate thrives in a deadline-driven environment, values accuracy, and takes pride in supporting employees behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Own and process bi-weekly payroll from start to finish, including timecard review, adjustments, and final submission
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with regulations
• Process employee status changes (hires, terminations, pay updates)
• Manage garnishments, tax levies, and court-ordered deductions
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies

HRIS & Timekeeping (Paycom)

• Serve as primary system contact and liaison with Paycom support
• Support and train staff on timekeeping and payroll processes
• Monitor time entry compliance and correct errors
• Generate and distribute payroll and overtime reports

Benefits Administration

• Administer health insurance and retirement plans
• Manage employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations
• Reconcile benefit deductions with payroll and vendor invoices
• Serve as primary contact for benefits providers
• Coordinate and support open enrollment processes

Employee Support & Compliance

• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding payroll and benefits
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee information
• Support audits, reporting, and compliance efforts
• Assist with HR policies and process improvements

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or related field OR equivalent experience
• 1–3 years of payroll or benefits experience
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong Excel skills (reporting, formulas, data validation)
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism
• Must pass a background check

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience with Paycom or similar HRIS/payroll systems
• Professional certification (FPC, CPP, SHRM-CP, or PHR), or willingness to obtain

Schedule & Work Environment

• Monday–Friday, standard business hours
• Primarily onsite in Mount Pleasant, MI
• Occasional extended hours during payroll or open enrollment cycles

Why Join Listening Ear?

• Make a meaningful impact in your community
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team
• Opportunity to contribute to improving internal processes and systems
• Stable, essential role supporting a critical nonprofit organization

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and phone work
• Ability to perform standard office functions

Equal Opportunity Employer

Listening Ear is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel respected and valued.