Payroll and Benefits Specialist
Marriott•Costa Mesa, CA
•$34 - $36
About The Position
The Payroll & Benefits Specialist supports day-to-day payroll and benefits administration across multiple properties. This role focuses on execution, data accuracy, and follow-through, ensuring payroll and benefits processes run smoothly while supporting compliance and reporting needs. This position works closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors, handling administrative tasks so senior leadership can focus on strategy and complex analysis.
Requirements
- Solid Excel skills (basic formulas, data cleanup, reporting)
- Must be effective in handling complex problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to listen, understand, and transcribe issues raised by co-workers and guests.
- Must be able to work and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions.
- Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
- Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situation
- Regular travel between the corporate office and various hotel properties will be required. Candidates must have reliable transportation and possess a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to walk, stand and sit as required throughout the day.
- Ability to type 40 WPM.
- Must arrive to work well groomed, with pristine hygiene, and professional attire.
- 2 years’ experience as a payroll and/or benefits specialist preferred
Nice To Haves
- Experience in Workday preferred
- Supervisory experience preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Responsibilities
- Support bi-weekly payroll processing in Workday, including data entry, audits, and pre-payroll validations
- Review timekeeping records for accuracy and ensure proper coding across departments, positions, and properties
- Follow up with managers to resolve missing time, incorrect entries, and late approvals before payroll close
- Assist with payroll adjustments including retro pay, meal/rest premiums, OT corrections, and reimbursements
- Help process off-cycle payrolls, term checks, and special payments with proper documentation
- Generate and review payroll reports to identify discrepancies and ensure payroll accuracy prior to finalization
- Validate earnings and deductions to ensure they align with company policies and system limitations
- Assist in maintaining accurate pay statements and support distribution of live checks and employee access in Workday
- Administer benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and eligibility updates in Workday
- Complete benefit reconciliations by the 15th of the following month, ensuring accuracy and timely submission for review and payment
- Process check requests and submit invoices for benefit payments within 5 days of receipt, ensuring accuracy and timely coordination with Finance
- Track leave of absence payments and follow up on benefit-related issues to ensure timely resolution and accurate processing
- Support Open Enrollment/New Hire Onboarding processes including setup, employee communication, and tracking submissions
- Review and track employee hours for ACA measurement, ensuring accurate eligibility status and supporting timely and accurate data updates to benefit carriers
- Respond to employee inquiries related to pay, deductions, benefits, and Workday navigation
- Assist with tracking 401K deferrals and employer match data and preparing reports for vendors or audits
- Maintain and audit 401K data including employee deferrals, loan repayments, and employer match to ensure accuracy and compliance per ERISA law
- Support data preparation for audits, year-end processing, and corrections such as W-2 or W-2C updates
- Maintain and organize payroll and benefits records, ensuring documentation is accurate and audit-ready
- Maintain and organize filing systems by accurately filing payroll, benefits, and employee personnel documents in both binders and employee files, ensuring records are complete and easily accessible
- Coordinate with vendors, payroll partners, and internal teams to follow up on routine requests and issues
- Run standard and ad hoc reports to support HR, Finance, and leadership data needs
- Escalate complex payroll or benefits issues while ensuring timely follow-through and resolution
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
