Payroll & Benefits Specialist

NCE is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to administer payroll, employee benefits, leave programs, HR compliance activities, HRIS data management, and employee support services. This role serves as a key resource for employees regarding pay, benefits, leave of absence programs, and payroll-related questions while supporting compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The ideal candidate is highly organized, service-oriented, and able to manage confidential information with accuracy and discretion.

Responsibilities:

• Process multi-state payroll accurately and in accordance with established payroll schedules.
• Audit employee time records, PTO balances, compensation changes, deductions, reimbursements, tax withholdings, and payroll reports.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure data accuracy within payroll and HRIS.
• Process garnishments, wage assignments, tax levies, direct deposits, and payroll adjustments.
• Reconcile payroll records, quarterly tax filings, and year-end payroll processes while supporting payroll audits, compliance activities, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Generate payroll reports and provide information to Accounting department, management, and auditors as requested.
• Administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP, wellness, HSA, FSA, and retirement benefit programs.
• Administer employee benefit programs, including enrollments, eligibility audits, benefits orientation, ACA reporting, qualifying life events, employment status changes, terminations, and COBRA administration.
• Coordinate and support annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit education.
• Reconcile monthly insurance invoices and resolve discrepancies with carriers and vendors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefit plans, eligibility, coverage, claims, and enrollment questions.
• Support annual insurance renewals and work closely with brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
• Administer and track FMLA, ADA accommodations, worker’s compensation leave, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, state leave programs, and other leaves of absence.
• Coordinate leave communications with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate employee leave records and monitor leave usage, return-to-work status, and compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Must Have):

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Five or more years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment.
• Experience administering FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and state leave programs.
• Working knowledge of employee benefits administration and leave management.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Qualifications (Nice to Have):

• ADP Workforce Now experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar certification.
• Experience in engineering, consulting, construction, or professional services.
• Working knowledge of prevailing wage laws and certified payroll requirements, particularly for public works projects.
• Knowledge of ACA reporting and benefits compliance requirements.
• Experience reconciling payroll and benefits data with accounting records.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based work with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent interaction with employees, managers, insurance carriers, and third-party vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Occasional travel for training or company meetings may be required.

Salary range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications