Payroll and Benefits Consultant

e2E•Kansas City, MO

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Consultant serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, providing strategic and hands-on support for payroll processing, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance across multiple client organizations. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll while supporting benefits administration to enhance the employee experience. The Consultant proactively identifies process improvements, leverages technology for efficiency, and delivers solutions that align with each client’s business goals and compliance obligations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, accounting, finance, business administration, or related field required preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of education.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a consulting, PEO, or multi-client environment.
Advanced experience with HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, Gusto, or UKG).
Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, document-sharing platforms (Dropbox, etc.), and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, GoToMeeting).
Demonstrated expertise in multi-state payroll processing and benefits administration, including regulatory compliance and auditing.
Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local wage/hour laws, payroll taxation, and HR compliance standards.
Exceptional level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail in handling sensitive payroll and benefits data.
Superior customer service and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and employees.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify issues, analyze data, and escalate appropriately.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and teamwork in all interactions.
Digitally fluent and adaptable, with a willingness to learn new HR/payroll technologies, and reporting systems.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar credential preferred.
Additional credentials in HRIS systems, benefits compliance, or payroll taxation are a plus.

Responsibilities

Accurately process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payrolls across multiple clients, ensuring compliance with wage, hour, and tax regulations.
Maintain and update payroll records in HRIS and payroll records, ensuring data accuracy, proper coding, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
Coordinate administrative tasks for annual benefits open enrollment, including updating systems, and distributing employee communications.
Support annual benefits open enrollment, including system updates, employee communications, and carrier coordination.
Prepare payroll and benefits reports (e.g., wage summaries, deductions, tax filings, 401(k) contributions).
Serve as the first point of contact for client and employee inquiries related to payroll, benefits, and general HR policies.
Assist with client onboarding, including system configuration, employee data setup, and review of compliance documentation.
Provide administrative support for paid leave programs by accurately processing leave requests, tracking balances, and maintaining related documentation.
Partner with HR team members to maintain employee records and HR documentation, ensuring completeness and confidentiality.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payroll and benefits processes.
Conduct payroll and benefits audits, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions to maintain data integrity and compliance.
Lead year-end payroll activities, including W-2 distribution and reporting compliance.
Collaborate with HR and accounting teams to ensure accurate payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger entries.
Stay current with legislative and regulatory changes in payroll, taxation, and benefits compliance; communicate updates and best practices to clients.
Troubleshoot payroll system issues, liaising with vendors and technical support as needed.
Partner with clients to design and implement process automation, digital tools, and self-service solutions that increase efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Perform other duties and client-related projects as assigned.