Payroll and Benefits Administrator

Relay • Raleigh, NC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Relay is seeking a detail-oriented, people-first Payroll and Benefits Administrator to join their People Services team. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Compensation and will be responsible for 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 someone who values accuracy, is a reliable resource, 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 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, running pre-processing audits, and resolving discrepancies.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate team member records in UKG across the full lifecycle and run routine data audits.
• Follow established system workflows and automation configurations, flagging integration breakdowns or anomalies.
• Generate standard and ad hoc reports for People Services, Finance, and leadership, adhering to data security protocols.
• Own UKG setup for all new hires, including profiles, tax withholding, direct deposit, and benefit deductions.
• Partner with the Workplace Experience Manager to deliver a seamless onboarding experience and serve as the payroll and benefits point of contact during new hire orientation.
• Proactively follow up on missing documents to prevent errors.
• Own day-to-day administration of all health benefit plans, 401(k), and the wellness program, including 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, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Own annual open enrollment, including system configuration, employee communications, and post-enrollment data audits.
• Execute compliance actions such as COBRA notices, ACA eligibility tracking, HIPAA-compliant enrollment record maintenance, NDT, 5500 filings, 401(k) audit, and other annual compliance filings.
• Work directly with Relay’s benefits broker on maintaining an ongoing relationship and scheduling annual strategy sessions.
• Route leave inquiries to the appropriate resource and process approved leave pay actions and benefit deduction adjustments within UKG.
• Track leave dates in HRIS and maintain accurate payroll and benefits status throughout the leave period.
• 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.
• Stay current on payroll regulations and benefits compliance requirements.

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: Onsite fitness center with instructor-led classes, plus tennis, basketball, pickleball, and cycling (for Raleigh-based HQ)
• Team Events & Culture
• 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