Payroll & Benefits Specialist

At COVE Animal Health, our people are the foundation of everything we do. We are a growing network of veterinary hospitals built on collaboration, integrity, and a shared commitment to exceptional care. As we continue to scale, we are investing in strong, thoughtful HR operations that support our teams, ensure compliance, and create a positive employee experience across every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Joining COVE means being part of an HR team that values partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a multi-state organization while working closely with experienced leaders who value operational excellence and support professional growth.

The HR Generalist / Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in supporting day‑to‑day payroll, benefits, and compliance operations across COVE Animal Health. This position provides essential backup and operational support to the Payroll Manager and HR Director, ensuring business continuity, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience. This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who enjoys operational ownership, thrives in detail‑oriented work, and values strong cross‑functional collaboration while contributing to a growing, multi‑state organization.

• Run regular payroll cycles and expense payrolls as needed
• Maintain familiarity with payroll compliance, tax filings, and multi‑state requirements
• Administer third‑party sick pay and state‑mandated FMLA payroll processes
• Serve as primary backup for the Payroll Manager during absences

• Perform timecard audits to ensure FLSA and wage and hour compliance
• Conduct ACA audits and support accurate reporting
• Support internal controls related to payroll and HRIS data integrity

• Manage benefits billing reconciliation and vendor escalations
• Process employee status changes, including new hires, terminations, and leaves of absence
• Maintain benefits administration systems and support open enrollment activities

• Ensure accuracy of employee data across HRIS, payroll, and benefits platforms
• Assist with payroll‑related reporting for Finance and HR leadership
• Partner with the HR Director on process improvement initiatives and system upgrades Qualifications
  • Experience supporting payroll and benefits in a multi‑state environment
  • Working knowledge of payroll compliance, wage and hour regulations, and benefits administration
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Comfortable collaborating across HR, Finance, and external vendors
  • HRIS and payroll system experience preferred