Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Club Elite and Club Fitness • Saint Peters, MO

4d • $55,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in managing and enhancing core Total Rewards functions for approximately 550 employees across 19 locations. This role is responsible for administering and maintaining core total rewards functions, including payroll processing, benefits administration, leave management, full-cycle ESOP support, tax, and compliance in relation to payroll. This role owns day-to-day operations and partner relationships with third-party administrators, brokers, and carriers to ensure compliance, accuracy, and positive employee experience. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, dependable, and able to operate independently while collaborating closely with the Controller and Human Resources Manager on strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 1–2 years of payroll and benefits experience
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment and tax laws
• Experience supporting hourly, customer-facing, or multi-location workforces
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including wage and hour, anti-discrimination, tax and compliance
• Familiarity with benefits administration and leave laws (FMLA, ADA, and applicable state leave requirements)
• Knowledge of HRIS systems and electronic recordkeeping standards
• Awareness of confidentiality requirements and data privacy principles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Working knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and employment law fundamentals
• Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and recordkeeping
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain neutrality in employee relations matters
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms, Microsoft Office, and standard office technology
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams
• Adaptability and flexibility to support a dynamic, service-oriented workforce

Nice To Haves

• Experience using Paycom is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration Process multi-state payroll on a biweekly basis, ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws
• Audit timekeeping data, resolve discrepancies, and process employee changes (internal changes, terminations, LOA, etc.)
• Maintain accurate records in Paycom and support internal audits
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure smooth year-end processing to include facilitating year-end tax forms.
• Benefits Administration Administer medical, dental, vision, life, and voluntary benefits
• Manage enrollments, terminations, and changes in carrier systems and Paycom
• Own the open enrollment process, including configuration, communication, and employee support
• Collaborate with the Human Resource Manager to support annual renewals
• Maintain ACA compliance, audit data, and prepare 1095-C forms
• Leave Management Administer and track FMLA, personnel, and other statutory leaves
• Communicate status updates and expectations with employees and managers
• Ensure payroll, benefits, and timekeeping are aligned during leaves
• ESOP Administration Act as primary point of contact for ESOP third-party administrator (TPA) and internal partners
• Submit compliance and census data; track distributions and elections
• Coordinate annual ESOP statement distribution and employee communication
• Complete all ESOP portal tasks and ensure timely delivery of year-end tax documents
• Compensation & Rewards Analyze compensation data to support salary structures, internal equity, and pay transparency
• Evaluate and report on service-based rewards (e.g., length-of-service bonuses) each pay period
• Support merit increase cycles, bonus program administration, and market benchmarking
• Assist in the creation and rollout of culture-enhancing recognition and reward programs
• University Partnerships & Culture Programs Own relationships with university partners for tuition discount programs
• Identify new ways to bring meaningful, culturally aligned rewards to employees
• Collaborate with internal teams to enhance employee engagement and recognition
• Reporting & Compliance Generate and analyze monthly benefits reporting
• Maintain dashboards and ad hoc reports through Paycom
• Stay informed on federal/state laws (ACA, FMLA, ERISA, HIPAA, ESOP regulations)
• Support external audits with timely and accurate documentation

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As an employee-owner, you’ll earn shares in the company at no cost to you, building long-term wealth as the company grows.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and more!

What This Job Offers

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