Payroll & Benefits Specialist

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional. 

We're looking for a detail-oriented and customer-focused Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support our employees by ensuring accurate payroll processing and exceptional benefits administration across our growing organization. 

Position Summary 

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for processing semi-monthly payroll, administering employee benefit programs, and ensuring compliance with payroll and benefits regulations across multiple states. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees, school leaders, Human Resources, and Finance by providing timely support, maintaining accurate records, and continuously improving payroll and benefits processes. 

This position also supports Yellow Brick Road's continued growth by assisting with payroll and benefits integration for newly acquired schools and new locations. 

What You'll Do 

Payroll Administration 

• Process semi-monthly payroll for employees across Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska using Paylocity. 
• Review and audit payroll data including hours worked, overtime, paid time off, bonuses, deductions, and adjustments. 
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule while maintaining confidentiality of employee information. 
• Reconcile payroll reports and investigate discrepancies prior to payroll submission. 
• Manage off-cycle payrolls, final paychecks, retroactive adjustments, and payroll corrections as needed. 

Benefits Administration 

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and employee leave programs. 
• Coordinate benefit enrollments, life event changes, terminations, and annual open enrollment. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and vendor communications. 
• Reconcile benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions. 
• Partner with Human Resources to maintain compliance with applicable benefits regulations. 

Compliance & Reporting 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and benefits regulations. 
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, year-end processing, W-2 preparation, and payroll audits. 
• Prepare payroll and benefits reports for Finance and leadership teams. 
• Maintain accurate employee payroll and benefits records within Paylocity. 

Growth & School Integrations 

• Support payroll and benefits integration for newly acquired schools and new school openings. 
• Coordinate employee setup and benefits enrollment during acquisitions and organizational growth. 
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure smooth transitions and consistent processes. 

Systems & Process Management 

• Serve as the primary administrator for payroll functions within Paylocity. 
• Maintain payroll configurations, earnings codes, deduction codes, tax settings, and employee records. 
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiencies. 
• Partner with HR and Talent Acquisition to ensure accurate employee onboarding, status changes, and terminations. 

Employee & Leadership Support 

• Respond to employee and leader questions regarding payroll, benefits, deductions, taxes, PTO, and related policies. 
• Provide guidance regarding pay, deductions, taxes, PTO balances, and payroll policies. 
• Support school directors and department leaders with payroll-related troubleshooting and reporting needs. 
• Develop payroll procedures and training materials to improve payroll accuracy across the organization. 

What You'll Need 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 
• 3–5 years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience. 
• Experience processing multi-state payroll for a high-volume hourly workforce. 
• Experience administering employee benefit programs. 
• Paylocity experience strongly preferred. 
• Knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and employee benefits administration. 
• Strong Microsoft Excel and reporting skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion. 
• Outstanding communication and customer service skills. 
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification is a plus. 

What We Offer 

• Competitive salary based on experience 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan 
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays 
• Employee Childcare Discount 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Professional Development Opportunities 
• Collaborative and mission-driven culture 

Why Join Yellow Brick Road? 

Our educators make a difference every day, and this role helps ensure they're supported every step of the way. As our Payroll & Benefits Specialist, you'll play an essential role in delivering accurate pay, exceptional benefits support, and a positive employee experience while helping Yellow Brick Road continue to grow and serve more students and families.

The starting pay range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000 yearly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Minnesota. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Yellow Brick Road offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.