Total Rewards Senior Specialist

You will be responsible for:

• Payroll & Pay Administration
• Partner with Puzzle HR to execute accurate and timely processing of two bi-weekly payrolls.
• Review, reconcile, and validate timecard data, time-off transactions, and payroll previews prior to final submission.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including pay changes, deductions, and direct deposit updates.
• Review quarterly and annual tax reporting, including final Forms W-2 and 1099.
• Process and calculate separation pay in a timely and compliant manner.
• Benefits & Leave Administration
• Administer core and ancillary benefit programs, including health and welfare plans,charitable giving programs, EPA, and other employee perks.
• Lead benefits renewal and annual Open Enrollment processes, in partnership with external vendors.
• Manage Medicare eligibility administration and required employee notifications.
• Oversee the leave of absence process, coordinating with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent and compliant execution.
• Notify and educate employees on benefit programs, changes, and key deadlines.
• Vendor & Compliance Oversight
• Serve as a primary point of contact with Puzzle HR and other benefits vendors to resolve issues and ensure service quality.
• Coordinate with Puzzle HR to audit benefits carrier invoices against current enrollments and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain regulatory reporting and compliance requirements, including Form 5500, Section 125, HIPAA, Medicare Part D reporting, and annual workers’ compensation audits.
• Compensation & Retirement Programs
• Administer compensation review cycles in support of performance management processes.
• Support 401(k) administration, including change file verification, audits, and non-discrimination testing.

What we need from you:

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to reconcile data, spot issues, and follow them through to resolution.
• Solid judgment and problem-solving skills, especially in areas that impact pay, benefits, or compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities, particularly during payroll cycles and open enrollment.
• Clear, approachable communicator who can explain benefits and pay topics to employees.
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive employee and compensation information.
• Comfortable partnering with vendors and working cross-functionally with People and Finance teams.
• Process-oriented mindset with an interest in improving how work gets done.
• A passion for serving others and a steady focus on the needs of the employees.
• Fearless when approaching unknown territory – willing to get hands dirty and ask all the questions.

What skills & experience you’ll bring to us:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in total rewards, HR operations, or a related HR specialty, with hands-on responsibility for benefits, payroll, and compensation administration (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• Demonstrated experience managing bi-weekly payroll processing, including payroll audits, reconciliations, and coordination with external payroll providers
• Experience working with benefits vendors/brokers and communicating effectively with associated internal and external parties
• Strong working knowledge of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans (401(k)), leaves of absence, and open enrollment processes.
• Experience supporting compensation review cycles and maintaining employee pay data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of total rewards–related compliance and regulatory requirements, including ERISA, HIPAA, Section 125, Form 5500, Medicare reporting, and payroll tax filings (W-2, 1099).
• Experience partnering with HRIS platforms (e.g., Dayforce) and third-party vendors to administer payroll and benefits programs.
• Experience developing and scaling processes and working in a rapid-paced, high-growth environment
• Basic knowledge of payroll processing
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strategic mindset and approach
• Great organizational skills, high attention to detail, and strong sense of urgency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills