Payroll Specialist

Position Overview

A growing professional services organization is seeking a Payroll Specialist to oversee payroll processing and benefits administration for a diverse workforce. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strict confidentiality, and the ability to manage complex compensation structures across multiple employee groups.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of the payroll function, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, support benefits administration, and serve as a trusted resource for employees and leadership. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, proactive communication, and a service-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

• Process semi-monthly payroll for employees across multiple compensation structures.
• Manage compensation changes, bonuses, incentive payments, and merit increases.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Administer multi-state payroll and support payroll activities for employees in multiple office locations.
• Prepare and distribute year-end tax documents, including W-2s and other required forms.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and partner with Accounting on payroll journal entries.
• Support Finance and Accounting teams with payroll reporting and workforce-related cost analysis.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining confidentiality of employee compensation

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, and retirement plans.
• Manage employee enrollments, status changes, terminations, and benefits deductions.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, including carrier communication, employee education, and system configuration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable benefits regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, and state leave laws.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries.
• Coordinate leave administration and ensure accurate payroll and benefits processing during employee absences.
• Track and administer employee reimbursement and wellness-related programs where applicable.
• Partner with external brokers, vendors, and carriers to resolve benefits-related issues.

Qualifications

Required

• 3-5 years of payroll and benefits administration experience, preferably within a professional services or similarly structured organization.
• Experience managing at least two annual open enrollment cycles within the past three years.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with HRIS and payroll systems such as ADP, Paycom, Workday, Paylocity, or similar platforms.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll tax compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high degree of discretion.