Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Specialist

About the role

At Akin, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for a detail‑oriented and service‑driven Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Specialist to join our People & Culture team—someone who thrives on accuracy, enjoys solving problems, and is passionate about creating a seamless employee experience. In this role you’ll be a trusted expert supporting payroll, benefits, and leave programs that directly impact our employees’ well‑being.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Excellence: Process accurate, on‑time bi‑weekly payroll and maintain payroll records; perform audits, reconciliations, and reporting to ensure data integrity; manage garnishments, child support orders, and payroll inquiries; partner with HR and Finance and serve as liaison with UKG Payroll Services.
• Benefits Administration: Oversee employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more; manage enrollments, life events, and vendor relationships; reconcile benefits data and invoices; support Open Enrollment; help enhance benefits programs and employee communications.
• Leave & Compliance: Administer FMLA, state leave, ADA accommodations, and related programs; track leave usage and ensure compliance with regulations; support workers’ compensation claims and return‑to‑work programs; ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and other regulations.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, or HR administration.
• Demonstrated experience using HRIS systems and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• HR or benefits certifications (PHR, SHRM‑CP, CEBS, etc.).
• Experience with UKG, particularly payroll, benefits, reporting, and/or system administration.
• Experience creating and customizing HRIS reports to meet business and operational needs.
• Working knowledge of SQL and experience using queries to retrieve, analyze, or validate data.
• Familiarity with basic coding, scripting, or other technical tools used to automate processes, manipulate data, or enhance reporting.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot system issues and identify opportunities to improve HRIS processes and reporting.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of payroll and benefits administration.
• Solid understanding of applicable laws and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer‑service mindset.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
• Flexible hybrid work environment (role‑dependent).
• Collaborative, mission‑driven culture.
• Opportunities to improve systems and make a real impact.

Pay

The target starting pay for this position is $75,000 – $90,000 per year, typically within the first half of the range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications and will not consider pay history.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office setting with a hybrid option depending on business needs. It requires extended computer use, attention to detail, and the ability to manage interruptions in a fast‑paced environment.