Payroll and Benefits Specialist

We are seeking a knowledgeable Payroll, Benefits, and Leave Administrator to manage payroll, benefits, leave administration, and compliance for the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. This detail-oriented and service-driven professional will support employees through accurate payroll processing, benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and strong partnership with HR and Finance

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees (hourly, salaried, part-time, full-time), including bonuses, wage garnishments, child support, and other deductions.
• Process all voids, stop payments, and log actions for audits.
• Maintain payroll tables: earnings codes, deduction codes, positions, labor distributions, departments, and programs.
• Generate payroll journals for accounting wire transfers.
• Respond promptly to employee payroll inquiries.
• Partner with Finance for reconciliations and process improvements.
• Process all required tax filings accurately and on time.

Benefits Administration

• Lead annual open enrollment: schedule sessions, communicate deadlines, assist employees, prepare materials.
• Update deductions in HCMS during enrollment or mid-year life events.
• Reconcile benefit invoices with payroll deductions.
• Track employee and employer contributions to retirement and insurance plans.
• Prepare benefit reports monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Coordinate with vendors and brokers to resolve coverage or billing discrepancies.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Administer leave programs: FMLA, ADA, parental, personal, STD, LTD.
• Track leave requests, certifications, and approvals in HCMS.
• Monitor accruals and manage return-to-work procedures.
• Communicate leave policies and answer employee questions.
• Maintain documentation for audits and legal compliance.

Reporting & Compliance

Prepare and submit all required payroll, benefits, tax, and workforce compliance reporting, including W-2s, ACA Forms 1094/1095, DCAP reconciliations, unemployment claims, employment and wage verifications, EEO-1, state new hire reporting, Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys (e.g., CES and OES), and any other applicable federal, state, or local payroll or benefits compliance filings. Audit payroll and benefit deductions regularly; correct discrepancies in HCMS.

Education & Experience 

• 5+ years of experience in payroll, benefits, and leave administration is preferred,
• High school diploma; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency with HCMS, Microsoft Word, and Excel
• Strong knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, 
• Preparation of W-2s, ACA filings, DCAP reporting
• Unemployment filings, employment and wage verifications,
• Detail-oriented, accurate, adaptable, and highly confidential, with excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

The Payroll and Benefits position operates primarily in an office-based environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of hands for computer and office equipment operation, and the ability to effectively communicate through talking and hearing. The role may occasionally require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Work is typically performed in a moderate office noise environment. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Our Mission Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.