Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll And Benefits Specialist

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist at MMT Ambulance plays a critical role in supporting accurate payroll processing and delivering a high-quality employee experience. Serving as the primary backup to the HR Total Rewards Manager, this position ensures payroll continuity during absences or peak workload periods while maintaining strict attention to detail, confidentiality, and compliance. In addition to payroll support, the specialist manages day‑to‑day benefits administration, assists employees with pay and benefits inquiries, and helps drive process improvements that strengthen communication and overall service delivery.

The role also plays an active role in advancing the company’s wellness strategy and supporting cross‑functional Total Rewards projects and initiatives. The position requires exceptional attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to step in seamlessly during payroll cycles while contributing to broader program development and employee experience efforts.

This role primarily operates in a remote work environment, with occasional travel required for meetings or training. It is ideal for a detail‑oriented HR professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to providing exceptional support to employees across the organization.

• Administer and manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored benefits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits.
• Coordinate benefits enrollment and changes, including new hires, terminations, and life events.
• Provide support and guidance to employees regarding their benefits, including answering questions and resolving issues.
• Conduct benefits training sessions for employees via the LMS Platform.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of employee benefits.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new benefits programs and initiatives.
• Prepare and analyze reports related to benefits utilization and costs.
• Review and approve monthly benefit invoices.
• Help the HR Total Rewards Manager develop and manage a wellness notification for monthly distribution.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in employee benefits.
• Support payroll preparation by reviewing time‑off requests, personnel action forms, bonuses, pay changes, earnings, deductions, and differentials.
• Review and validate payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance prior to submission.
• Process payroll corrections, off‑cycle checks, and retroactive pay adjustments as needed.
• Maintain up‑to‑date payroll procedures and documentation to support continuity and audit readiness.
• Assist with year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 verification and reconciliations.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Communicate with managers to investigate and clarify instances where employees have no reported hours for a given pay period.
• Serve as backup for payroll processing as needed.
• Take ownership of escalated employee‑facing issues, ensuring they are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Work cross‑functionally with HR Team to develop solutions for employee concerns.
• Maintain an "employee‑first" approach to all interactions, ensuring that employees feel confident in MMT's ability to meet their needs.
• Clearly communicate solutions and next steps to employees, ensuring transparency and trust.
• Identify opportunities to enhance employee experience and streamline communication.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve the handling of benefit issues.
• Provide feedback to leadership on recurring employee concerns and recommend actionable solutions to address root causes and improve outcomes.

• High school diploma required:
  Bachelor's degree in human resources preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration or a related role.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software.
• Projec…