Payroll and Benefits Administrator

Relay • Raleigh, NC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Relay is seeking a detail-oriented, people-first Payroll and Benefits Administrator to join its People Services team. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Compensation and is responsible for the day-to-day payroll processing, HRIS data integrity, and benefits administration for a U.S. workforce of over 250 team members. It is a hands-on, high-accountability position for an individual who values accuracy, serves as a reliable resource for team members, and is eager to grow within a modern, technology-forward People function. The role requires a full-time onsite presence five days a week.

Requirements

• 3–5 years in payroll processing, benefits administration, or HRIS data entry; UKG or comparable platform experience strongly preferred.
• BA/BS in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of U.S. payroll fundamentals: tax withholding, deductions, garnishments, and pay period reconciliation.
• Familiarity with core benefits compliance: COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA data handling.
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data validation); comfort with sensitive data and strict confidentiality protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and a zero-error mindset; able to manage multiple concurrent deadlines without dropping detail.
• Demonstrated nimble, tech-savvy approach to system and process management by leveraging our core stack, including Notion, Google Workspace, and AI tools such as Claude and Gemini.

Nice To Haves

• Full employee lifecycle experience in payroll and benefits (onboarding through offboarding).
• Exposure to HR system integrations, automated workflows, or HRIS configuration, even in a supporting role.
• Experience supporting external audits or preparing financial reconciliation schedules.
• FPC certification or working toward CPP; experience in a high-growth or scaling company environment.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end biweekly payroll processing for 250+ U.S. team members in UKG, including executing all transactions (new hires, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, 401(k) contributions, garnishments), running pre-processing audits, and resolving discrepancies before each cycle locks.
• Apply pay policies accurately across PTO accruals, disability pay, workers’ compensation, and tax withholding exemptions.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and supporting schedules for Finance during month-end close.
• Own W-2 and 1095-C preparation, year-end payroll reconciliation, and quarterly payroll tax filings.
• Register for new state withholdings and unemployment accounts; resolve state/IRS tax notices as needed.
• Maintain accurate team member records in UKG across the full lifecycle; run routine data audits to catch discrepancies before they create downstream payroll or compliance issues.
• Follow established system workflows and automation configurations; flag integration breakdowns or anomalies to the Senior Manager for escalation.
• Generate standard and ad hoc reports for People Services, Finance, and leadership; adhere to all data security protocols, including HIPAA and applicable state privacy requirements.
• Own UKG setup for all new hires: profiles, tax withholding, direct deposit, and benefit deductions, verified before the first pay cycle runs.
• Partner with the Workplace Experience Manager to deliver a seamless onboarding experience; serve as the payroll and benefits point of contact during new hire orientation.
• Follow up proactively on missing documents (I-9s, tax forms, benefit elections, direct deposit authorizations) to prevent errors before they occur.
• Own day-to-day administration of all health benefit plans, 401(k), and the wellness program: enrollment processing, qualifying life events, terminations, and monthly invoice reconciliation.
• Serve as the first point of contact for team member benefits questions and claims navigation; escalate complex issues to the Senior Manager and work directly with Relay’s broker to maintain clear communication and support our team members' claim process.
• Own annual open enrollment: system configuration, employee communications, and post-enrollment data audits.
• Execute compliance actions: COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA-compliant enrollment record maintenance, NDT, 5500 filings, 401(k) audit, and other annual compliance filings as needed.
• Work directly with Relay’s benefits broker on maintaining an on-going relationship and scheduling annual strategy sessions to review plans, costs, and how to support our team members in the best way.
• Route leave inquiries to the appropriate resource (HR, broker, or third-party leave administrator); process approved leave pay actions and benefit deduction adjustments within UKG.
• Track leave dates in HRIS; maintain accurate payroll and benefits status throughout the leave period and flag discrepancies between approved documentation and payroll data.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready records for all payroll transactions, benefit enrollments, and team member changes.
• Support external audits by providing accurate data schedules and transaction documentation; participate in HRIS access reviews with IT and Security.
• Stay current on payroll regulations and benefits compliance requirements; surface relevant changes to the Senior Manager.

Benefits

• 100% Paid Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Long/Short Term Disability, and Life Insurance for you and your dependents
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Savings Plan + Company Match
• Baby Cash Reward + Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Perks: If you’re joining our Raleigh-based HQ, you’ll have access to a world-class onsite fitness center with instructor-led classes, plus tennis, basketball, pickleball, and cycling
• Team Events & Culture: From company celebrations to team outings, we work hard and have fun doing it.
• Latest tech, standing desks, and all the tools and software you need to thrive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree