Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Overview

This role is responsible for owning accurate, timely payroll and benefits administration for multi-state payroll accounts and associated client responsibilities. The position reports to the HR Manager and works in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end, multi-state payroll for the organization and assigned client accounts on established schedules.
• Validate and reconcile timesheets, leave balances, earnings, deductions, and payroll reports; secure required approvals before processing.
• Coordinate payroll tax registrations, filings, notices, and quarterly and year-end reconciliations with payroll providers and state agencies; escalate exceptions to the HR Manager.
• Administer benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations, including open enrollment; coordinate with carriers to resolve discrepancies.
• Reconcile benefits and retirement invoices and funding reports against payroll deductions and employer contributions.
• Maintain payroll and benefits system data; troubleshoot routine issues; support testing and validation.
• Keep records, calendars, SOPs, and checklists current; identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience owning end-to-end, multi-state payroll and benefits administration.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.
• Paylocity experience strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Payroll Knowledge: Working knowledge of multi-state payroll, earnings, deductions, taxes, and payroll schedules.
• Benefits and Retirement Knowledge: Understanding of enrollment requirements, contribution rules, deductions, and how benefits and retirement plans connect to payroll.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Produces complete, correct work and identifies discrepancies during review.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Compares information across sources, determines why discrepancies occurred, and identifies appropriate corrections.
• Systems Proficiency: Uses payroll, HRIS, benefits, and retirement platforms effectively, including reporting, imports, and data validation.
• Organization and Time Management: Coordinates multiple accounts and deadlines, tracks outstanding items, and completes work on schedule.

Location

Remote