HR Operations & Payroll Specialist

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LLC•Itasca, IL

About The Position

Family Entertainment Group (FEG), is a recognized industry leader in designing, developing, and operating world-class family entertainment centers and amusement experiences. With a commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction, FEG partners with top brands and venues to create memorable experiences for families and guests of all ages. The Company provides turnkey outsourced facility management and arcade operations services for resorts, hotels, casinos, and amusement parks. Additionally, the Company owns and operates standalone family entertainment centers under the In The Game, Max Action, and Bonkers brands. The Company operates nearly 90 locations throughout the U.S Position Summary The Operations and Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll and administration of employee benefits programs for a multi-state, hourly and salaried workforce. This role requires deep functional knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong sense of accountability. This individual proactively identifies opportunities to improve and modernize processes, leveraging technology, automation, and AI where possible. The role partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure compliance, enhance the employee experience, and deliver seamless operations

Requirements

7+ years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration, preferably in a multi-state environment
Proven expertise in payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Workday) and benefits platforms
Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll, tax, and benefits regulations
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and confidentiality
Comfortable working with data, reports, and technology to optimize processes
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or related field
Experience working with AI tools, robotic process automation, or modern HR tech stacks
Prior experience in hospitality, entertainment, retail, or multi-unit field-based organizations
FPC/CPP or CEBS certification preferred

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end payroll process including data collection, validation, processing, reconciliation, and disbursement for multiple states
Ensure timely and accurate execution of bi-weekly payroll cycles with accuracy and adherence to deadlines
Partner with HR and managers to review timekeeping data and resolve discrepancies quickly
Maintain payroll records and generate reports for Finance, Compliance, and audit purposes
Drive continuous improvements and automation efforts to reduce manual work and increase efficiency, including use of AI-based tools
Manage full-cycle payroll operations including bi-weekly uploads from F&B systems (e.g., Toast), garnishments, child support, terminations, and final pay.
Ensure compliance and accuracy by auditing time & labor data, resolving discrepancies, handling check corrections, managing tax setups, year-end reporting, and responding to employee payroll inquiries.
Generate and reconcile reports including payroll, general ledger, Paylocity audits, BLS, WOTC, and employment verifications in coordination with Accounting and HR
Support benefit program administration including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, COBRA, and wellness programs
Serve as point of contact for benefits-related inquiries from employees and vendors with fast and clear responses
Support open enrollment and benefits education sessions, improving understanding and utilization of programs
Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure timely vendor payments
Work with brokers, carriers, and internal teams to implement process improvements and resolve issues proactively
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to payroll and benefits (e.g., FLSA, ACA, ERISA)
Assist with internal and external audits, ensuring documentation is current and accurate
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations; recommend policy changes as needed
Prepare and file required reports such as 941s, W-2s, 1095-Cs, and others accurately and on time
Identify and implement new technologies or AI-driven solutions to enhance accuracy, automation, and data insights
Document and continuously improve workflows to create scalable and modern processes
Support the transition and integration of new payroll or benefits systems if applicable
Collaborate with HRIS, IT, and vendors to troubleshoot system issues and drive user adoption
Deliver timely, accurate, and respectful support to employees on all payroll and benefits matters
Create and maintain documentation and FAQs that improve employee self-service and reduce inquiry volume
Support training efforts related to payroll/benefits for new hires and managers
Act as a trusted partner in moments that matter—onboarding, life events, and transitions—ensuring a positive employee experience