Payroll& Benefits Specialist

Description

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly or weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states and facilities

• Maintain employee payroll records including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and deductions

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including overtime regulations across all operating jurisdictions

• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports

• Manage garnishments, wage assignments, and tax levies in accordance with applicable law

• Coordinate with plant managers and supervisors to verify timekeeping data and resolve discrepancies

• Prepare and file payroll tax returns including quarterly 941s, state withholding, and annual W-2s

• Support year-end payroll close and audit processes

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and 401(k)/retirement plans

• Manage open enrollment processes, including communication, system configuration, and employee support

• Process qualifying life events and ensure timely updates in benefit systems

• Serve as a liaison between employees and benefit carriers to resolve coverage, claims, and enrollment issues

• Administer COBRA notices and continuation coverage in compliance with federal requirements

• Manage leave programs including FMLA, state leave laws, and company-sponsored leaves of absence

• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and coordinate with Accounts Payable for payment

• Maintain compliance with ACA reporting requirements including 1094/1095-C filings

Compliance & Reporting

• Stay current on federal and state payroll and employment law changes across all states of operation

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in the HRIS system

• Assist with internal and external payroll and benefits audits

• Generate payroll and benefits reports for HR, Finance, and Operations leadership as needed

• Support workers’ compensation administration and reporting

Requirements

Required

• 3–5 years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience; multi-state experience required

• Strong working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and wage & hour regulations

• Experience administering group health, retirement, and ancillary benefit plans

• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paycom, UKG, Paylocity, or similar)

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail with ability to handle confidential information

• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to meet strict deadlines

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

Preferred

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or CEBS certification

• Experience in a manufacturing environment with a mix of hourly and salaried workforce

• Familiarity with union payroll administration and collective bargaining agreement compliance

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based and may require occasional travel to company facilities. The role involves extended periods of sitting and working at a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.