Payroll & Benefits Specialist

About the role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven individual to join our team as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist in Sarasota.

Responsibilities

• Process and audit bi-weekly payroll utilizing HRIS software, ensuring accuracy of earnings, deductions, and employee data.
• Ensure payroll processing complies with applicable federal, state, and company requirements, including wage and hour rules, deductions, and reporting.
• Review, reconcile, and validate payroll data prior to processing, including timekeeping, PTO, benefit deductions, and compensation changes.
• Maintain payroll, HRIS, and employee data records; perform reconciliations and ensure accuracy of employee status, compensation, benefits, and reporting fields.
• Generate payroll, benefits, compensation, census, and headcount reports as needed to support HR, Accounting, and leadership.
• Create and maintain complex spreadsheets, logs, and tracking tools used for payroll, benefits, compensation, and reporting.
• Analyze payroll, benefit, and HRIS data to identify discrepancies, trends, and reporting needs, and support audits, reporting, and business decisions.
• Prepare and support annual and periodic reporting including 1095, 5500, EEO-1, workers compensation, unemployment, and other required filings.
• Administer and track employee leave programs, including FMLA and other protected leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws; coordinate documentation with the HR Coordinator, with final determinations made in consultation with the CHRO.
• Serve as primary HR contact for payroll, HRIS, benefits, and leave-related compliance; maintain required records and lead preparation for internal and external audits.
• Maintain data required for ACA tracking and reporting, including eligibility and measurement periods.
• Collaborate with the CHRO on HR initiatives, reporting, and compliance matters.
• Administer employee benefit programs, in coordination with the HR Coordinator for documentation and employee support, including enrollments, changes, reporting, invoice reconciliation, and renewal support.
• Work with brokers, carriers, and HRIS to maintain accurate benefit records and payroll deductions.
• Coordinate with the benefits broker to organize annual benefits meetings, health fair, and related employee benefit initiatives.
• Maintain HRIS (UKG preferred), including employee records, payroll setup, reporting, and system data integrity.
• Create reports and data exports from HRIS for payroll, accounting, and management use.
• Troubleshoot HRIS issues and coordinate with system support as needed.
• Ensure data accuracy across payroll, benefits, and HRIS systems.
• Review and verify payroll and benefit-related billings; assist with journal entries, reconciliations, and related reporting.
• Maintain tracking spreadsheets related to compensation, benefits, and employee data.
• Support HR initiatives, reporting projects, and process improvements as assigned.

Requirements

• 3-5 years experience in payroll, HRIS, benefits, or related analytical HR/finance role required.
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail required.
• Advanced Excel skills required, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with HRIS / payroll systems required (UKG preferred).
• Experience with payroll processing, reporting, or reconciliations strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting audits, reporting, or compliance filings preferred.
• Ability to work with confidential data and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Benefits

• Health Care - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage.
• Excellent Compensation Package.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance.
• Supplemental Insurance.
• Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(K) with Company Matching Contributions.
• PTO & Paid Holidays.
• Employer Paid ID Theft Protection.
• Employee Home Purchase Discount Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Wellness Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Pet Insurance.
• Vendor Discount Program.