Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Position Summary:

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefit programs for the organization. This position serves as an important resource for employees and managers and is responsible for maintaining accurate employee records, processing payroll, administering benefit enrollments, reconciling benefit invoices, and supporting compliance with applicable payroll and benefit requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of related experience, strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage confidential information. This is a hands-on administrative role requiring someone who is comfortable working independently, meeting deadlines, and providing responsive service to employees.

Reporting to: Corporate Human Resources Manager 

Work Environment: In-office Position at Greenville, South Carolina Headquarters 

Essential Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Process regular and off-cycle payrolls accurately and timely.
• Review timekeeping records and payroll information for accuracy prior to payroll processing.
• Process new hires, terminations, pay changes, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and other payroll adjustments.
• Review payroll reports and identify and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll submission. Maintain accurate employee payroll records within the HRIS/payroll system.
• Process employee deductions, garnishments, and other required payroll adjustments.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, year-end processing, W-2s, and other required payroll activities.
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist Finance/Accounting with payroll-related reporting.
• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, PTO, and payroll-related matters.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee compensation and personal information.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and other company-sponsored benefits.
• Process benefit enrollments for new hires and benefit changes resulting from qualifying life events.
• Process benefit terminations and ensure employee records are updated accurately.
• Assist with the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system updates, and enrollment support.
• Review and reconcile monthly benefit invoices and work with carriers and vendors to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate benefit eligibility and enrollment records.
• Serve as a resource to employees regarding benefit questions and assist employees in navigating benefit programs.
• Coordinate with the benefits broker, carriers, and other vendors as needed.
• Support required benefits reporting and compliance activities.

HRIS & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate and timely employee information in the HRIS and payroll system.
• Process employee changes, including new hires, status changes, compensation changes, transfers, and terminations as it relates to payroll/benefits.
• Maintain accurate electronic personnel and benefits records.
• Prepare routine payroll, benefits, and employee reports.
• Assist with audits and other requests for payroll and benefits information.
• Identify data discrepancies and work with appropriate team members to resolve them.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of employee information.

Employee Support

• Provide professional and timely assistance to employees regarding payroll and benefits questions.
• Help employees understand payroll deductions, benefit elections, enrollment processes, and other related matters.
• Escalate complex payroll or benefits issues to the appropriate leadership, vendor, broker, or other resource.
• Maintain a high level of customer service while handling sensitive and confidential information.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Follow payroll and benefits procedures and internal controls.
• Stay informed of changes that may affect routine payroll and benefits administration.
• Assist leadership in maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state payroll and benefits requirements.
• Recommend opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee service.
• Assist with HR projects and other administrative responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, HR administration, or a combination of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll and administering employee benefits.
• Experience working with an HRIS and/or payroll system.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage recurring deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with HR, Finance, employees, and outside vendors.
• High level of reliability, accountability, and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience processing payroll for 150+ employees.
• Experience with Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Paycom, or a similar payroll/HRIS platform.
• Experience administering health and welfare benefits.
• Experience coordinating annual open enrollment.
• Experience working with benefits brokers and insurance carriers.