Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

The Senior Specialist, Payroll and Benefits supports comprehensive payroll processing for both US and international employees and assists in the administration of the benefits program. The Specialist receives mentorship and guidance from the Payroll Manager, who provides coaching and professional development support to enhance payroll and benefits expertise. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations, while contributing to the effective management of benefits and providing essential support to the HR department.

• Support in analyzing, preparing, and inputting payroll data, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll through multiple systems for domestic and international employees on various pay schedules.
• Process adjustments, garnishments, and levies for each payroll cycle.
• Ensure proper application of pay policies, including holiday and leave pay, compensatory time, and overtime calculations.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure all payroll information is up-to-date and accurate.

• Assist in monitoring and ensuring timely and accurate quarterly and annual tax reporting, including W2 filings and other related data.
• Liaise with the payroll manager, payroll providers and external auditors to ensure proper tax treatment and compliance with wage and hour laws.
• Maintain knowledge of and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to payroll.

• Support the design and management of benefits programs.
• Assist in the administration and management of H.S.A and 401K accounts including annual employer contributions.

• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports on gross payroll, hours worked, tax deductions, and benefit deductions.
• Participate in payroll and HRIS system upgrades and testing.
• Maintain procedural documentation for payroll and benefits processes.
• Supports the Payroll Manager in executing annual compensation processes, including merit increases and bonus distributions.

• Facilitate understanding of payroll and benefits procedures within the organization.
• Assist in the development of training guides and materials for payroll and benefits procedures.
• Contribute to process improvements and enhancements in operations focusing on efficiency and customer service.
• Escalates complex payroll issues, compliance concerns, or unresolved discrepancies to the Payroll Manager for resolution and guidance.

• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, payroll taxes, and payroll software.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll software systems (e.g., Workday) and strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Excel proficiency should include knowledge of VLookups, If Function and Pivot Tables.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of explaining complex payroll issues to an non-technical audience.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service by providing timely, accurate, and empathetic support for all payroll and benefit inquiries.
• Ability to think critically and assess complex issues holistically to identify root causes and prevent downstream impact.
• Ability to exercise confidence and tact when asking questions to ensure clarity and prevent errors.
• Proactively organized with a keen attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks and work in a collaborative setting while maintaining a level of independence.
• Ability to use query tools to gather and analyze information from large relational databases.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll management.
• Experience with electronic timekeeping systems.

Preferred:

• Professional certifications such as…