Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Waverly Advisors’ primary goal is to serve our clients, one another, and our communities. We are a typical wealth management firm. Our intense client focus is at the center of everything we do. We go far beyond just managing our clients’ investments, offering truly in-depth financial planning. We set ourselves apart by actually living and acting on our guiding principle to, ‘Serve.’

It is the reason we go to work every day.

In this role, you’ll be challenged to take on work that upholds our guiding principle and drives Waverly Advisors forward. We hope you’ll grow as a person and leader in your field and transform those around you as well.

We are looking to add an experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist to our Birmingham, AL office. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is an essential part of the Waverly Advisors team as they ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, serve as a subject matter expert on employee benefits, maintain compliant and organized payroll records, and provide ongoing support of Human Resources operations.

This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, supports employee inquiries with a high level of customer service, and collaborates closely with Finance, Integration, and HR leadership. The ideal candidate will have discretion with sensitive information, a strong attention to detail, and an understanding of payroll and benefits processes within a financial services environment.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-monthly payroll accurately and on schedule, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, and other payments as needed
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws.
• Audit timecards, deductions, and payroll reports for accuracy.
• Coordinate with Finance to reconcile payroll data and ensure proper general ledger coding.
• Provide payroll reporting as needed.

Benefits Administration

• Administer health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans, as well as 401(k), HSA/FSA, and wellness programs.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes, including benefits orientation
• Assist with annual open enrollment preparation, communications, and plan renewals.
• Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers and vendors.
• Ensure accurate enrollment, changes, and terminations in benefit systems.
• Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit options, eligibility, and claims escalation.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain employee records in the HRIS with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Support compliance activities related to ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and DOL regulations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining HR policies, processes, and documentation.

Travel:

• Minimal travel is required.

Qualifications and

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Two to five years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration experience, preferably in a professional services or financial services environment.
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Paychex, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and benefits processes.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.

Competencies and

Skills:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented self-starter.
• Strong attention to detail, exceptional accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proactive, team player who values building positive relationships.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to juggle demands of multiple people and deadlines.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage to support your overall well‑being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with match and profit sharing to help you invest in your future.
• Twelve paid holidays each year.
• An extra vacation day during your birthday week—so you can celebrate you!
• Generous PTO:
• Three weeks to start
• Increases to four weeks after three years of service
• Grows to five weeks after eight years of service
• Paid sabbatical program:
  Enjoy four weeks of paid time off after seven consecutive years of service.
• Compensation commensurate with experience.

Legal:

Waverly Advisors, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, disability, uniform service, veteran status, age or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.