Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Essential Employment Services•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Benefits and Payroll Specialist administers employee benefits and payroll processes across multiple U.S. states, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. The role supports employees with benefits enrollment, payroll inquiries, and related questions, and partners with HR, finance, and external vendors to maintain accurate employee records and timely payroll processing. The position also supports payroll tax reporting, year-end processing, benefits renewals, required employee notices, and documentation. It maintains confidential employee and payroll information and identifies opportunities to improve payroll and benefits processes, documentation, and internal controls. Other related duties may be assigned as needed; the Company may reassign duties and responsibilities as business needs require. The Company states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination on the listed protected bases. It also describes its commitment to salary transparency, including disclosing wage ranges in job postings and submitting required workforce data to the state.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in benefits administration, payroll processing, or a combination of both.
Working knowledge of federal and state payroll, wage and hour, payroll tax, and employee benefits regulations.
Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Strong communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to communicate effectively by phone, video conference, and in person.
Ability to navigate multiple computer systems and standard office equipment.
Ability to maintain focus and accuracy while managing detailed information, multiple tasks, and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting employees across multiple states.
HR, payroll, or benefits certification, such as SHRM, PHR, CPP, or CEBS.

Responsibilities

Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), FSA/HSA, and voluntary benefits.
Manage new-hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and benefit terminations.
Support payroll activities by reviewing timecards, verifying employee pay data, processing payroll changes, and ensuring accurate and timely payments.
Review and reconcile payroll deductions, benefit contributions, and employee records for accuracy.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state payroll and benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, wage and hour requirements, and payroll tax requirements.
Maintain accurate employee benefits and payroll records in HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems.
Serve as a primary contact for employee questions about benefits, payroll, deductions, and pay discrepancies.
Partner with HR, finance, managers, brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to resolve issues and maintain efficient processes.
Audit payroll reports, benefits invoices, deductions, and employee data to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Support payroll tax reporting, year-end processing, benefits renewals, and required employee notices and documentation.
Maintain the confidentiality of employee information and sensitive payroll and benefits data.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits processes, documentation, and internal controls.
Perform other related duties as necessary.