Payroll Compliance Specialist

We are seeking a Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist to join the EPIC Fitness Group team. Epic Fitness Group operates 69 Planet Fitness franchise locations in Michigan, Northern Ohio and Illinois. As a member of the corporate staff, you will experience a very collaborative environment, working in our Northville office, at least 3 days per week, with our hybrid work schedule.

Benefits include a 401(k) with generous employer match, profit sharing, medical, dental and vision insurance and a FREE Black Card membership to the clubs.

The Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team and serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for payroll taxes, benefits compliance, and employee inquiries. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver best‑in‑class HR operations, and is cross‑trained to support multi‑state payroll processing and 401(k) plan management.

This individual will also contribute to special projects, auditing, reporting, and HR initiatives, on a regular basis.

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Serve as backup to process payroll accurately and on schedule
• Partner with HR Systems and Payroll Specialist to drive HRIS enhancements and efficiencies
• Validate accuracy of all payrolls prior to submission
• Proactively manage multi‑state payroll tax processing, including tax account setup, SUTA rate management, and timely upload of tax rate notices in HRIS
• Stay current on existing and new payroll tax legislation and changing laws
• Lead and perform audits of payroll and employment tax data
• Manage resolution of tax matters with HRIS, States, Localities, and Federal entities
• Monitor HRIS Tax Center for Notices and bring them to resolution
• Serve as the primary contact for all payroll tax matters
• Complete BLS monthly voluntary payroll reporting (including 12th‑of‑month) and quarterly multi‑worksite wage reporting
• Monitor and report on employee hours and status on a bi‑monthly basis
• Serve as backup for PTO loads and accruals; anticipated to take full ownership in the future
• Process PAFs including pay changes, status changes, promotions, demotions, and transfers

401(k) Plan Administration

• Serve as backup and validator to HR Systems and Payroll Specialist for the organization’s 401(k) plan, including deferral and loan processing

Benefits Administration

• Lead benefits administration including new hire enrollment and qualifying life events
• Manage all aspects of annual benefit open enrollment in conjunction with benefit broker and insurance carriers; assist with plan design and premium determinations
• Generate reports, conduct audits, and ensure accuracy of all benefits enrollments, eligibility, and carrier billing
• Lead benefits education and communications for all employees
• Manage COBRA, ACA, and benefits administration setup and maintenance within HRIS
• Complete ACA annual filings (1095‑C and 1094‑C) for applicable entities
• Manage ACA checklist and annual reporting requirements in Paycom
• Monitor part‑time to full‑time status transitions for benefits eligibility
• Review and respond to National Medical Support Order (NMSO) notices
• Manage employee benefits deductions and payment plans
• Oversee file feed setup through HRIS and conduct regular carrier discrepancy reporting
• Ensure compliance with ERISA requirements and maintain plan documentation
• Reconcile insurance invoices monthly and prepare Excel files for Accounting
• Create and manage data sets for benefits reporting and analysis
• Resolve employee questions by interpreting benefit policies and working with Benefits broker/administrator
• Ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act and other applicable state and federal benefit laws

Strategy, Vendor Management & Employee Support

• Research and analyze internal/external data relating to benefit plan elements, including market trends and benchmarks
• Lead annual benefits strategy including renewals, vendor management, and cost optimization
• Develop and deliver clear, compelling communications for benefits and 401(k) programs
• Create training, communications, and process documents to promote…