Payroll and Benefits Specialist Bilingual

About the role

Hayden Industrial, a leading manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, is seeking an experienced Bilingual Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits programs for a manufacturing workforce. This position serves as the primary day-to-day contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries while supporting compliance, recordkeeping, and HRIS data integrity. Working closely with the HRIS & Payroll Manager, this role ensures payroll accuracy, benefit enrollment administration, employee communication, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in delivering exceptional customer service to employees while maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail.

The job primarily operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment. When working in the manufacturing facility, employees must wear personal protective equipment including hearing protection, safety glasses with side shields, and OSHA‑compliant safety boots/shoes. Physical demands include remaining stationary for long periods while operating a computer and office machinery, occasional movement within the office to access filing cabinets and operate office machinery, occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 25 pounds, and occasional visits to a non‑temperature‑controlled shop environment with loud noises, dust, dirt, and metal particles associated with metal fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly and/or bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees.
• Review timekeeping records for completeness and accuracy, ensuring proper coding of hours worked, overtime, paid time off, and leave balances.
• Audit payroll data and identify discrepancies prior to payroll processing.
• Process payroll adjustments, wage changes, deductions, bonuses, and retroactive payments.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, garnishments, wage assignments, and direct deposit administration.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues in a timely manner.
• Support year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation and distribution.
• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and beneficiary updates.
• Assist employees with benefit questions and provide education regarding available benefit programs.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and enrollment meetings.
• Support annual open enrollment planning, communication, and processing activities.
• Coordinate with benefit carriers and third-party administrators to resolve employee benefit issues.
• Monitor benefit deductions to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Maintain benefit records and ensure timely processing of enrollment changes.
• Enter and maintain employee information within the HRIS system.
• Process personnel changes including hires, promotions, transfers, compensation adjustments, and terminations.
• Perform routine audits to ensure employee data accuracy and completeness.
• Generate reports related to payroll, benefits, and employee data as requested.
• Assist with HRIS testing, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with payroll and benefits regulations, company policies, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain confidential employee information and records.
• Assist with ACA reporting, audits, and compliance activities.
• Support preparation of reports for internal and external audits.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper filing systems.
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HR-related processes.
• Provide excellent customer service while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Assist employees with completion of benefit forms and required documentation.
• Support HR initiatives, employee programs, and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required)
• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of payroll and benefits administration experience.
• Experience