Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Tempe Mechanical•Tempe, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for executing the company's payroll and employee benefits programs with a high level of accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. This role serves as the internal expert for payroll processing, benefits administration, tax compliance, and regulatory reporting, ensuring employees are paid correctly and receive the benefits they are entitled to while protecting the company from financial and compliance risk. This position plays a critical role in supporting workforce stability, financial integrity, and employee trust.

Requirements

5+ years of advanced payroll and benefits administration experience
Strong knowledge of federal and state wage & hour laws
Proficiency in payroll systems and HRIS platforms (isolved preferred)
Advanced Excel and reporting skills
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
Compliance-driven mindset
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong organization and time management
Excellent written and verbal communication
Customer-focused and service-oriented
Ability to handle high-volume payroll with accuracy under deadlines

Responsibilities

Process payroll on a weekly basis
Ensure accurate time, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, per diem, and reimbursements
Maintain and audit payroll records to ensure accuracy and compliance
Reconcile payroll reports to general ledger and resolve discrepancies
Manage wage garnishments, child support, tax levies, and other deductions
Administer payroll corrections, retro pay, and off-cycle payrolls
Maintain compliance with FLSA, state wage laws, and prevailing wage rules
Ensure accurate filing and payment of federal, state, and local payroll taxes
Work with accounting to prepare and reconcile quarterly and annual tax filings (941s, SUI, W-2s, 1099s)
Serve as primary contact for payroll tax agencies and audits
Maintain compliance with ACA, FMLA, and applicable state labor laws
Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll and benefits and implement updates
Administer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans
Manage enrollments, terminations, qualifying life events, and open enrollment
Reconcile benefit invoices and resolve carrier discrepancies
Act as the employee liaison for benefits questions and issues
Ensure timely and accurate deductions and employer contributions
Support COBRA, leaves of absence, and benefit continuation
Maintain HRIS, payroll, and benefits system accuracy
Run and analyze payroll and benefits reports for leadership, finance, and audits
Support workers' compensation audits, ACA reporting, and benefit census requests
Protect employee confidentiality and sensitive data at all times
Provide high-level customer service to employees regarding pay and benefits
Educate employees on benefit programs and payroll processes
Assist HR with onboarding, offboarding, and compliance documentation