Payroll and Benefits Specialist

About the role

What began as an idea between two brothers to open a Mexican restaurant has since grown into one of the largest, privately held Taco Bell franchisees in America. At Border Foods, we work with a people-first mantra. From cooks to cashiers to restaurant managers and beyond, we work together to bring to life the Core Values of Border Foods. As an employee your mission is to reinforce the Border Foods CORE values: Accountability, Integrity, Family, Excellence, Teamwork, and Empowerment. We unlock the full potential of our employees and guests by creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a key role in ensuring accurate payroll processing and effective benefits administration for all employees. This position supports payroll and benefit operations, benefits reconciliation, and employee communications. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a working knowledge of HRIS systems, payroll regulations, and benefit plan management.

Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Participate in biweekly payroll processing.
• Serve as a primary data auditor in payroll processing (e.g., punch imports, payroll data audits).
• Handle payroll adjustment requests submitted through the HERO system.
• Respond to incoming employee and manager inquiries.
• Assist with finance and payroll-related audits.
• Perform ongoing HRIS system cleanup and maintenance to ensure data accuracy.
• Manage unemployment claims processing and tracking.
• Support other internal HR/company initiatives as needed.
• Independently manage assigned responsibilities and ensure tasks are completed accurately and within established deadlines.

Benefits Administration

• Reconcile all monthly benefits invoices and ensure timely funding (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
• Process 401(k) updates, funding, and reporting; assist with annual 401(k) audit.
• Reconcile and fund FSA/HSA accounts accurately and on schedule.
• Conduct enrollment and verification reminder outreach to employees.
• Manage Leave of Absence (LOA) intake, tracking, communication, and outreach to employees.
• Monitor and manage benefit arrears and coordinate with payroll for accurate deductions.
• Update employee benefit eligibility in the HRIS system following qualifying events and employment changes.
• Administer Dependent Verification processes to ensure benefits compliance.
• Oversee programs such as Border Cares and Vacation Donation.
• Manage and respond to Benefits HERO requests.
• Handle medical support notices in accordance with legal requirements.
• Proactively identify follow-up needs, manage priorities independently, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• 2–4 years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax laws, benefits compliance, and HRIS platforms (Dayforce experience a plus).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (specifically Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP formulas).
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines consistently and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Work Environment

Hybrid. Standard office hours with flexibility required during payroll processing periods and audits.