Benefits and Payroll Specialist

AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST•Los Angeles, CA

6d•$34 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Benefits & Payroll Specialist to serve as the subject matter expert in the Human Resources Department. With a minimum of five (5) years of experience, this position will oversee the full lifecycle of payroll processing and benefits administration and will ensure accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience, acting as the primary point of contact for all compensation and benefits inquiries. This role is a part-time position, reporting to the Human Resources Director, with a required 2-3 days onsite per week, varying on business needs and payroll processing schedules.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in combined payroll and benefits administration.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) highly desirable.
PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
Strong technical expertise with HRIS and Payroll software (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, Paycom, or Workday).
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
Strong working knowledge of federal and state regulations, including ERISA, ACA, FLSA, FMLA, and COBRA.
Exceptional attention to detail, high level of confidentiality, and the ability to explain complex tax/benefit concepts to employees clearly.

Responsibilities

Process semi-monthly payroll for 150+ employees, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, and deductions.
Review time and attendance data, verifying hours worked, overtime, and time-off balances prior to processing and conduct regular payroll audits to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies immediately.
Assist in the quarterly and year-end payroll tax filing requirements (W-2s) and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws (FLSA, wage & hour laws).
Administer all employee benefit programs in HRIS system, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Supplemental Insurance plans and 403(b) retirement plans.
Assist in the annual Open Enrollment process, including system configuration and data transmission (EDI feeds) to vendors.
Assist in the documentation and tracking of all leave requests, including FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, and other leaves.
Monthly reconciliation of benefit invoices against payroll deductions to ensure financial accuracy.
Manage the payroll and benefits responsibilities of new hire enrollments and termination processing (COBRA, final pay).
Maintain the HRIS/Payroll system, ensuring data accuracy and generating custom reports for Finance and HR.
Assist in complex employee questions regarding pay stubs, tax changes, and benefit plan coverage.
Special Projects as assigned by the CFO/COO and Director of Human Resources as needed.