Director of Payroll & Benefits

YMCA Virginia Peninsulas • Newport News, VA

4d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Payroll & Benefits leads the strategic administration and operational management of payroll, employee benefits, and HRIS across the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. The role ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing, effective benefits administration, reliable employee records and HR systems, and efficient human resources processes. It serves as a key resource for Administrative Specialists, Center Executives, Program Executives, Finance staff, and employees, supporting payroll, benefits, employment records, and regulatory compliance through system oversight, training, process management, and continuous improvement.

The position also partners with Finance, Human Resources, and operational leaders; maintains procedures and controls; supports onboarding and termination processes; and provides reporting and analysis for organizational decision-making. Travel to YMCA centers and participation in Association meetings and events may be required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal background and credit checks and other applicable pre-employment requirements. CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 certification is required within 60 days of hire, along with completion and maintenance of required YMCA trainings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of progressive payroll administration experience.
• Prior experience administering employee benefits programs.
• Prior experience working within an HRIS.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Working knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act and wage-and-hour compliance requirements.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, and ability to learn new systems and technologies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding and appreciation of the YMCA as a mission-driven organization.
• CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Complete and maintain required YMCA trainings, including New Staff Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment Prevention.
• Satisfactory completion of criminal background, credit, and Child Protective Services checks, plus applicable pre-employment requirements.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate information from policies, regulations, reports, and business documents.
• Ability to respond effectively and professionally to inquiries, concerns, and requests from employees, leaders, and external partners.
• Strong mathematical aptitude and ability to perform payroll calculations, reconciliations, and financial analyses.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues with limited direction.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding personnel, payroll, and benefits information.
• Ability to travel to YMCA centers and participate in Association meetings and events as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Dayforce experience preferred.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 is required within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support the mission, vision, values, and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas and model its values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Serve as the Association's subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, and HRIS administration.
• Maintain current standard operating procedures for payroll, benefits, and HRIS processes.
• Train and support HR Generalists, Administrative Specialists, and designated center staff on payroll, benefits, and HRIS procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, compliance, reporting, and employee service delivery.
• Own payroll accuracy and end-to-end payroll processing, including timely execution of payroll cycles, audits, and approvals.
• Audit pay templates and compensation entries for new hires and employee status changes; process compensation changes, adjustments, corrections, and retroactive payments.
• Administer garnishments, tax withholdings, and other payroll deductions, and ensure compliance with applicable wage-and-hour laws and payroll regulations.
• Generate and distribute biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports; administer year-end audits, tax reporting, and W-2 preparation and distribution.
• Coordinate with the HRIS/payroll vendor to support system functionality and payroll accuracy, and process employment verifications in accordance with YMCA policy.
• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans.
• Manage benefit eligibility, enrollment, status changes, and terminations; provide enrollment support to newly eligible employees.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, including employee communications and education, and partner with the benefits broker to administer plans and resolve benefit issues.
• Review and process monthly benefits invoices and ensure accurate billing, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Administer YMCA Retirement Fund participation and related reporting, and ensure benefit deductions are accurately reflected in payroll and HRIS.
• Lead HRIS data integrity by maintaining employee records, employment documentation, pay templates, workflows, and system controls.
• Monitor HRIS functionality and recommend process improvements, automation opportunities, and system enhancements.
• Generate and analyze HR, payroll, and benefits reports; maintain personnel records and employee data according to organizational requirements.
• Support onboarding and termination in the HRIS and related systems, and use HRIS reporting tools to monitor trainings, certifications, and compliance requirements.
• Partner with Finance on payroll posting, account reconciliation, and reporting timelines; collaborate with HR staff and operational leaders on employee data and payroll processing.
• Oversee compliance related to employment eligibility verification and onboarding requirements.
• Complete additional projects and related duties as assigned.
• Travel to YMCA centers and participate in Association meetings and events as needed.

Benefits

• Medical/health insurance, with employees paying 65% of the employee cost.
• Dental insurance, with employees paying 65% of the employee cost.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending account (FSA).
• $50,000 Life/AD&D policy.
• Vacation leave.
• Sick leave.
• YMCA Family Membership.
• Retirement benefit of 12% upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director