Sr. Payroll & Benefits Specialist

About the role

The Sr. Payroll & Benefits Specialist supports all functions of the Payroll and Benefits department. This role provides administrative support as needed, including payroll processing, administration, and data entry.

Key Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle payroll accurately and on schedule for all employees.
• Review, audit, and reconcile payroll data including timekeeping records, earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit elections.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and payroll regulations.
• Manage payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, compensation changes, garnishments, and deductions.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Prepare payroll reports, audits, and supporting documentation as needed.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure data integrity within HRIS and payroll systems.
• Cook up payroll changes and related matters with Finance/Accounting.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits questions and issue resolution.
• Support year-end payroll processing including W-2 preparation and audits.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax regulations, and benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws related to payroll, benefits, wage and hour compliance, and leave administration.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and employee relations skills.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, HR, or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration required.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll preferred.