Payroll & Benefits Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support payroll administration and employee benefits operations for a healthcare organization. This role plays an important part in ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time while helping maintain smooth, compliant benefits processes. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of payroll practices, benefits coordination, and regulatory requirements, along with a service-focused approach to employee support.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing on a defined schedule, ensuring earnings, variable pay, deductions, garnishments, and direct deposit transactions are completed accurately.
• Keep employee payroll information current within payroll and HR systems, including updates related to status changes, compensation adjustments, and withholding details.
• Review time records, payroll entries, tax setups, and benefit deductions to identify discrepancies and correct issues before payroll is finalized.
• Oversee day-to-day benefits administration for health, dental, vision, retirement, and leave programs, helping employees understand available options and coverage changes.
• Coordinate new enrollments, qualifying life event updates, and annual open enrollment activities while maintaining accurate benefit elections.
• Reconcile payroll-related and benefits invoices, investigate variances, and work with internal departments or external providers to resolve outstanding items.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities such as audit support, reporting, and preparation of required employee tax documentation.
• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, taxes, leave, and benefits eligibility in a timely, thorough, and confidential manner.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and third-party vendors to support efficient payroll and benefits operations and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local payroll and benefits requirements, including wage and hour rules and leave-related obligations such as FMLA.
• At least 5 years of experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Hands-on experience using ADP or a comparable payroll platform to process employee pay accurately and efficiently.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Solid understanding of payroll procedures, payroll tax requirements, employee benefits administration, and compliance standards.
• Strong proficiency with HR/payroll systems and Microsoft Excel for reporting, reconciliation, and data review.
• Demonstrated accuracy, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive employee information with a high level of confidentiality.
• Effective organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Certification related to payroll, benefits, or human resources is a plus.