Payroll and Benefits Administrator

Payroll And Benefits Administrator

We are looking for a Payroll and Benefits Administrator to support accurate, timely payroll and benefits operations for a multi-state workforce in Illinois. This long-term contract position is ideal for someone who can manage end-to-end payroll activities, maintain compliance, and provide dependable administrative support in a fast-paced environment. The role requires strong attention to detail, sound knowledge of payroll practices, and experience working with employee populations ranging from 101 to 500 staff members.

Responsibilities:

• Support payroll process improvements or system-related updates as needed, including activities tied to internal platform changes when applicable. Serve as primary point of contact with the payroll provider, benefits broker, and benefits providers.
• Partner with department managers to ensure timesheets are submitted and approved accurately and on time.
• Administer end-to-end weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accurate and timely wage processing.
• Update and maintain employee payroll records for hires, departures, transfers, compensation changes, deductions, and garnishment activity in coordination with HR.
• Review and approve payroll expense reimbursements, ensuring proper documentation and approvals.
• Prepare and submit weekly 401(k) payroll files to the retirement plan provider.
• Apply federal, state, and local payroll requirements by monitoring tax obligations, wage and hour rules, worker classification standards, unemployment reporting, and court-ordered deductions.
• Review payroll transactions, insurance invoices, and related activity to perform reconciliations tied to general ledger entries, benefit deductions, tax with holdings, banking entries, and employer contributions.
• Run reports, support finance and payroll reconciliations, and respond to payroll data requests.
• Serve as internal point of contact for employees regarding benefits, providing guidance on deductions, enrollments, and related records.
• Process benefits enrollments, life event changes, and terminations, including insurance and 401(k), and maintain benefits deductions in the payroll system.
• Manage open enrollment, provide backup support for onboarding and offboarding, and maintain proper documentation for employee files.