Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Location: Sarasota, FL

About the role

Join an award-winning Top Workplace recognized for its people-first culture and commitment to employee success. Enjoy a best-in-class benefits package, including a generous 401(k) match, company-paid insurance, wellness programs, and additional perks. Build your career with a stable, growing organization backed by more than 50 years of success and industry leadership.

This highly visible role partners directly with the CHRO and executive leadership team, offering meaningful impact and influence. Take ownership of payroll, benefits, HRIS, and compliance with broad exposure across key HR functions. Lead benefits and open enrollment initiatives that directly enhance the employee experience and contribute to organizational success.

Responsibilities

• Own and administer the end-to-end bi-weekly payroll process for approximately 300 employees, including commissions and bonus payments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and an exceptional employee experience.
• Administer comprehensive employee benefits programs, including enrollments, life events, deductions, vendor relationships, and ongoing employee support.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity, oversee system configurations, and generate workforce reporting to support HR operations and business decision-making.
• Lead compliance-related activities and audit preparation, including ACA, 401(k), EEO-1, unemployment, workers' compensation, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary resource for employee and manager inquiries related to payroll, benefits, HRIS, leave administration, and HR policies.
• Support annual open enrollment and benefits communications, helping drive employee engagement and a positive benefits experience.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, HRIS, human resources, or a related analytical HR/finance environment.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll and working within HRIS platforms to manage employee data, reporting, and system administration (UKG preferred).
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with exceptional organizational skills and a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and process excellence.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, benefits administration, and HR best practices, with the ability to navigate complex employee situations confidently.
• Experience supporting audits, regulatory reporting, and compliance initiatives, including maintaining accurate records and ensuring data integrity.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively support employees, managers, vendors, and leadership while handling sensitive information with discretion.

Pay

$70,000 – $75,000

Benefits

• Generous 401(k) match
• Company-paid insurance
• Wellness programs
• Additional perks