Human Resources Payroll and Benefit Specialist

Ferrum College • Ferrum, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Ferrum College is seeking an experienced Human Resources Payroll & Benefits Specialist to manage the administration of payroll-related employee data, benefits, leave programs, and HR records throughout the employee lifecycle. This position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate HR and payroll records, administering employee benefits, managing leave programs, processing HR-related invoices, and ensuring compliance with college policies and applicable employment laws. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with employees, managers, Payroll, Finance, and external benefit partners to deliver exceptional service while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and accuracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or a related field; OR Minimum of five (5) years of experience in payroll administration and Human Resources operations.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA and other leave administration requirements.
• Experience processing payroll changes and maintaining employee records.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paycom, Paycor, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex organizational environment.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or other Human Resources certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain employee records from onboarding through separation, ensuring accurate HRIS and payroll data.
• Process employee status changes, compensation updates, tax changes, deductions, and terminations.
• Administer employee benefits, including enrollments, qualifying life events, and benefit terminations.
• Manage Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability, and other leave programs, including eligibility, documentation, communication, and return-to-work coordination.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, meetings, enrollment processing, and system updates.
• Process, reconcile, and maintain all Human Resources-related invoices, including benefits, leave administration, and background checks.
• Serve as the primary Human Resources contact for payroll and benefits-related questions.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, retirement plan providers, and benefit vendors to resolve employee issues and maintain accurate enrollment records.
• Handle payroll data entry for student employees and assist with payroll-related processing.
• Maintain confidential employee records and support HR compliance, audits, and record retention requirements.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, offboarding, and other Human Resources initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources team to improve processes and leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Provide administrative support and perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave, and educational benefits in accordance with college policies.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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