Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Planet Fitness•Northville, MI

103d•Hybrid

About The Position

EPIC Fitness Group is seeking a Benefits and Payroll Specialist to join its Human Resources team. EPIC Fitness Group operates 69 Planet Fitness franchise locations in Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Illinois. This corporate role is based in the Northville office and follows a hybrid schedule, with at least three days per week in the office. The Benefits and Payroll Specialist is a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for payroll taxes, benefits compliance, and employee inquiries. The role partners with internal stakeholders and external vendors to support HR operations and is cross-trained to assist with multi-state payroll processing and 401(k) plan management. The specialist also contributes to projects, audits, reporting, and broader HR initiatives. The role leads benefits administration, compliance, annual enrollment, vendor relationships, employee communications, and benefits analysis. It also supports payroll processing and tax compliance, 401(k) administration, HRIS improvements, employee support, and general HR and audit activities.

Requirements

Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to manage confidential information and multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR data reporting.
High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex topics clearly and accessibly.
Ability to build trust, rapport, and credibility within the business and maintain effective relationships with management, employees, and external parties.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and independently in a time-sensitive, confidential environment.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, read and understand job-related documents and equipment instructions, prepare reports and business correspondence, and present information and respond to management questions.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and calculate rates, ratios, percentages, payroll deductions, taxes, and wages accurately.
Ability to solve practical problems, interpret written and oral instructions, and take a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Ability to sit for periods of eight hours or more; talk and hear; stand or walk as needed; sit, squat, stoop, crawl, reach, kneel, and bend; occasionally lift, bend, or move more than 15 pounds; and use hands to operate a keyboard, calculator, and other equipment.
No certificates, licenses, or registrations are required.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience in benefits, payroll, HR, or a related field.
Working knowledge of payroll and benefits administration.
Paycom HRIS experience.
Experience with multi-state payroll processing.
PHR, SHRM-CP, Certified Payroll Professional, or equivalent HR/payroll certification.
Bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

Serve as backup for payroll processing, validate payrolls before submission, and support accurate, timely payroll operations.
Manage multi-state payroll tax processing, including tax account setup, SUTA rates, tax notices, legislative monitoring, audits, and resolution of tax matters with HRIS, state, local, and federal entities.
Monitor the HRIS Tax Center for notices and serve as the primary contact for payroll tax matters.
Complete monthly BLS voluntary payroll reporting and quarterly multi-worksite wage reporting.
Monitor and report employee hours and status; provide backup for PTO loads and accruals, with anticipated future ownership.
Process personnel action forms for pay and status changes, promotions, demotions, and transfers.
Provide backup and validation for the organization's 401(k) plan, including deferral and loan processing.
Lead benefits administration, including new-hire enrollment and qualifying life events.
Manage annual benefits open enrollment with the broker and insurance carriers, and assist with plan design and premium determinations.
Generate reports, audit benefits enrollment and eligibility data, and verify carrier billing.
Lead benefits education and employee communications.
Manage COBRA and ACA administration and HRIS setup and maintenance; complete applicable annual ACA filings and manage related checklists and reporting.
Monitor part-time to full-time transitions for benefits eligibility and review and respond to National Medical Support Order notices.
Manage benefits deductions and payment plans, oversee HRIS file feeds, and report carrier discrepancies.
Maintain ERISA compliance and plan documentation; reconcile monthly insurance invoices and prepare Excel files for Accounting.
Create benefits reporting and analysis data sets, answer employee questions, and ensure compliance with applicable benefits laws.
Research benefit plan data, market trends, and benchmarks; lead annual benefits strategy, renewals, vendor management, and cost optimization.
Develop and deliver communications, training, and process documents for benefits and 401(k) programs.
Manage broker and vendor relationships as the primary liaison for benefits partners.
Respond to employee inquiries through the Ask Here HR inquiry platform and implement cost-containment and employee-education strategies.
Collaborate with the HR team on special projects, initiatives, and organizational priorities.
Support ad hoc management reporting, audit HRIS checklists and documents, and follow up on completion.
Back up the HR Coordinator with requisitions, I-9 processing, onboarding, and background checks.
Track Fitness Trainer certifications and follow up on completion and recertifications.
Partner with Accounting and Finance on external audit compliance; manage payroll and benefits projects, training, and activities.
Provide prompt, courteous responses to questions and information requests, and perform other assigned duties.