Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Unlock Employer

Posted May 5, 2026

Remote · US Full Time

Overview

This full-time, fully remote role based anywhere in the United States involves supporting the Finance and People teams by managing payroll and benefits administration, compliance, and employee support. The position reports to the Financial Accountant.

The role requires ownership of day-to-day payroll and benefits operations as well as building, standardizing, and improving processes in a fast-growing startup environment where systems and processes are still evolving.

Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

  • Manage end-to-end payroll processing across multiple entities and pay groups
  • Handle payroll inputs, uploads, and approvals to ensure timely and accurate payroll
  • Maintain PTO accruals and payroll records
  • Process off-cycle payrolls including bonuses, commissions, PTO payouts, and corrections
  • Provide payroll reports to 401(k) and HSA vendors

Payroll Review, Validation & Reconciliation

  • Conduct pre-payroll checks for readiness and accuracy
  • Perform post-payroll validations to confirm correct processing
  • Ensure payroll deadlines are met for all pay groups
  • Reconcile payroll data across systems
  • Track, manage, and resolve discrepancies and variances

Payroll Tax Compliance

  • Monitor federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and payments
  • Maintain a centralized tracker of payroll tax accounts across entities and states
  • Identify and address discrepancies such as tax notices or filing misalignments
  • Coordinate with payroll providers and agencies to ensure compliance and timely resolution

Benefits Administration & Reconciliation

  • Manage benefits administration in Employee Navigator and ensure alignment with payroll systems
  • Audit benefit rates and deductions for accuracy
  • Reconcile benefit invoices against payroll deductions and employer contributions
  • Support Open Enrollment in partnership with the VP of People
  • Collaborate with brokers and vendors to resolve discrepancies

Lifecycle Management

  • Ensure accurate payroll and benefits setup for new hires
  • Manage offboarding processes including final pay compliance, PTO payouts, benefits termination, and COBRA coordination

Employee Support & Operations

  • Serve as primary contact for payroll and benefits inquiries
  • Manage internal requests and Zendesk tickets
  • Escalate complex issues and ensure timely resolution

Process & Systems Development

  • Document processes and develop trackers
  • Standardize workflows
  • Maintain organized and audit-ready documentation

Data Cleanup & Operational Fixes

  • Address ongoing data cleanup and operational issues

Cross-Functional Projects

  • Support benefits vendor transitions and system integrations
  • Assist with special compensation or benefits programs

Requirements

  • Minimum 2 years of payroll and/or benefits experience
  • Strong Excel and reconciliation skills
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ownership mindset
  • Comfortable collaborating cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and external vendors
  • Experience with Rippling or similar HRIS/payroll systems is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to take ownership beyond task execution and follow through on issues
  • Comfortable working in an evolving, fast-paced environment
  • Proactive in identifying gaps and improving processes
  • Strong organizational skills with clear documentation and tracking
  • Effective communication and early escalation of risks

Compensation & Benefits

Details about compensation and benefits were not provided.

Location

This is a fully remote position open to candidates located anywhere in the United States.

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