NCE is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to administer payroll, employee benefits, leave programs, HR compliance activities, HRIS data management, and employee support services. This role serves as a key resource for employees regarding pay, benefits, leave of absence programs, and payroll-related questions while supporting compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The ideal candidate is highly organized, service-oriented, and able to manage confidential information with accuracy and discretion. This position is based in NCE's Reno, Nevada office and reports directly to the Human Resources Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Process multi-state payroll accurately and in accordance with established payroll schedules.
- Audit employee time records, PTO balances, compensation changes, deductions, reimbursements, tax withholdings, and payroll reports.
- Maintain payroll records and ensure data accuracy within payroll and HRIS.
- Process garnishments, wage assignments, tax levies, direct deposits, and payroll adjustments.
- Reconcile payroll records, quarterly tax filings, and year-end payroll processes while supporting payroll audits, compliance activities, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Generate payroll reports and provide information to Accounting department, management, and auditors as requested.
- Administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP, wellness, HSA, FSA, and retirement benefit programs.
- Administer employee benefit programs, including enrollments, eligibility audits, benefits orientation, ACA reporting, qualifying life events, employment status changes, terminations, and COBRA administration.
- Coordinate and support annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit education.
- Reconcile monthly insurance invoices and resolve discrepancies with carriers and vendors.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefit plans, eligibility, coverage, claims, and enrollment questions.
- Support annual insurance renewals and work closely with brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
- Administer and track FMLA, ADA accommodations, worker’s compensation leave, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, state leave programs, and other leaves of absence.
- Coordinate leave communications with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers while maintaining confidentiality.
- Maintain accurate employee leave records and monitor leave usage, return-to-work status, and compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications (Must Have):
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Five or more years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
- Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment.
- Experience administering FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and state leave programs.
- Working knowledge of employee benefits administration and leave management.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Qualifications (Nice to Have):
- ADP Workforce Now experience.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar certification.
- Experience in engineering, consulting, construction, or professional services.
- Working knowledge of prevailing wage laws and certified payroll requirements, particularly for public works projects.
- Knowledge of ACA reporting and benefits compliance requirements.
- Experience reconciling payroll and benefits data with accounting records.
Working Conditions:
- Primarily office-based work with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
- Frequent interaction with employees, managers, insurance carriers, and third-party vendors.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Occasional travel for training or company meetings may be required.
Salary range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Five or more years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
- Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment.
- Experience administering FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and state leave programs.
- Working knowledge of employee benefits administration and leave management.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- ADP Workforce Now experience.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar certification.
- Experience in engineering, consulting, construction, or professional services.
- Working knowledge of prevailing wage laws and certified payroll requirements, particularly for public works projects.
- Knowledge of ACA reporting and benefits compliance requirements.
- Experience reconciling payroll and benefits data with accounting records.
What We Do
Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE) is a multidisciplinary consulting engineering, planning, and environmental firm focused on infrastructure projects, primarily for public-sector clients. Its practice areas span civil engineering, pavement and materials, environmental compliance, landscape architecture, water resources, and asset management. The firm partners with clients and communities to deliver feasibility studies, planning, design, permitting, and construction support, emphasizing innovative, value-driven and sustainable solutions to infrastructure and resource challenges.
