Payroll and Benefits Administrator

What You'll Do

• Payroll Processing & Administration
• Own end-to-end semi-monthly payroll processing for 250+ U.S. team members in UKG
• Execute all transactions (new hires, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, 401(k) contributions, garnishments)
• Run pre-processing audits and resolve discrepancies before each cycle locks
• Apply pay policies accurately across PTO accruals, disability pay, workers’ compensation, and tax withholding exemptions
• Prepare payroll journal entries and supporting schedules for Finance during month-end close
• Own W-2 and 1095-C preparation, year-end payroll reconciliation, and quarterly payroll tax filings
• Register for new state withholdings and unemployment accounts; resolve state/IRS tax notices as needed
• HRIS Data Integrity
• Maintain accurate team member records in UKG across the full lifecycle
• Follow established system workflows and automation configurations
• Flag integration breakdowns or anomalies to the Senior Manager for escalation
• Generate standard and ad hoc reports for People Services, Finance, and leadership
• Adhere to all data security protocols, including HIPAA and applicable state privacy requirements
• New Hire Onboarding & Team Member Support
• Own UKG setup for all new hires: profiles, tax withholding, direct deposit, and benefit deductions, verified before the first pay cycle runs
• Partner with the Workplace Experience Manager to deliver a seamless onboarding experience
• Follow up proactively on missing documents (I-9s, tax forms, benefit elections, direct deposit authorizations) to prevent errors before they occur
• Benefits Administration
• Own day-to-day administration of all health benefit plans, 401(k), and the wellness program
• Serve as the first point of contact for team member benefits questions and claims navigation
• Escalate complex issues to the Senior Manager and work directly with Relay’s broker to maintain clear communication and support our team members' claim process
• Own annual open enrollment: system configuration, employee communications, and post-enrollment data audits
• Execute compliance actions: COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA-compliant enrollment record maintenance, NDT, 5500 filings, 401(k) audit, and other annual compliance filings as needed
• Work directly with Relay’s benefits broker on maintaining an ongoing relationship and scheduling annual strategy sessions to review plans, costs, and how to support our team members in the best way
• Leave of Absence — Routing & Payroll Integration
• Routinely route leave inquiries to the appropriate resource (HR, broker, or third-party leave administrator)
• Process approved leave pay actions and benefit deduction adjustments within UKG
• Track leave dates in HRIS; maintain accurate payroll and benefits status throughout the leave period and flag discrepancies between approved documentation and payroll data
• Compliance & Audit Support
• Maintain organized, audit-ready records for all payroll transactions, benefit enrollments, and team member changes
• Support external audits by providing accurate data schedules and transaction documentation
• Participate in HRIS access reviews with IT and Security
• Stay current on payroll regulations and benefits compliance requirements; surface relevant changes to the Senior Manager

What We're Looking For

• 3–5 years in payroll processing, benefits administration, or HRIS data entry; UKG or comparable platform experience strongly preferred
• BA/BS in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or related field; or equivalent experience
• Familiarity with core benefits compliance: COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA data handling
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data validation); comfort with sensitive data and strict confidentiality protocols
• Strong organizational skills and a zero-error mindset; able to manage multiple concurrent deadlines without dropping detail
• Demonstrated nimble, tech-savvy approach to system and process management by leveraging our core stack, including Notion, Google Workspace, and AI tools such as Claude and Gemini