Payroll and Benefits Administrator

Payroll and Benefits Administrator

The Payroll and Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll, administration of employee benefits programs, maintenance of employee records, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. This position serves as a key resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, leave administration, and HR-related inquiries while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Process multistate payroll accurately and timely in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Review and audit employee timecards, pay rates, deductions, and payroll changes prior to processing.
• Maintain payroll records and employee earnings history.
• Process new hire, termination, promotion, transfer, and compensation changes.
• Ensure proper administration of garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and wage assignments.
• Reconcile payroll reports and general ledger entries.
• Cook up payroll tax filings and assist with quarterly and annual payroll reporting.
• Process bonus payments, commissions, and special payroll runs as needed.
• Aid with yearend processing, including W2 preparation and distribution.
• Administer company health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Manage employee enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations in benefit systems.
• Conduct benefit orientations for new hires.
• Serve as liaison between employees and benefit providers to resolve coverage and claims issues.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions.
• Aid with 401(k) plan administration, eligibility tracking, employee enrollment, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain employee benefit eligibility and waiting periods.

Human Resources Support

• Maintain employee personnel files and HRIS records.
• Prepare employment verification requests.
• Aid with onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Support leave administration, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and other leave programs.
• Maintain compliance with labor laws, company policies, and reporting requirements.
• Aid with employee communications, policy acknowledgments, and training administration.
• Generate HR and payroll reports for management as requested.

Compliance and Recordkeeping

• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll, benefit, and personnel information.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Aid with audits, benefit plan testing, payroll audits, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with company retention policies.
• Stay current on payroll, tax, and benefits regulations and recommend process improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of payroll and benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing multistate payroll.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax regulations and employment laws.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Paychex, Deltek Vantagepoint, or similar systems.
• Experience administering 401(k) and employer-sponsored benefit plans.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage, FAR compliance, or government contracting environments.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough understanding of payroll processing and benefit administration. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels. Ability to interpret and apply employment laws and company policies.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, via telephone, and electronically.

Work Schedule

Fulltime, Monday through Friday. Standard office hours with occasional overtime during payroll processing, open enrollment, yearend activities, and special projects.