Payroll and HR Specialist

Janus of Santa Cruz•Santa Cruz, CA

About The Position

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-driven Payroll and HR Specialist to manage employee benefits administration and payroll operations. This role ensures accurate payroll processing, compliance with employment laws, and delivery of high-quality benefits support to employees. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, service-oriented environment and is committed to supporting a nonprofit workforce and advancing Janus’ mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience)
3+ years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration
Knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and benefits administration
Strong understanding of employment laws and compliance requirements
Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit, behavioral health, or social services organizations
Payroll certification (CPP) or HR certification (PHR or SHRM-CP)
Experience with Paylocity or similar systems
Knowledge of California employment laws
CPR/First Aid certification
Current TB test

Responsibilities

Process twice-monthly payroll accurately and on time, including earnings, deductions, and adjustments
Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Manage timekeeping systems and review timesheets for accuracy
Review and audit timesheets, leave balances, payroll changes, and deductions prior to processing
Process off-cycle payrolls, retroactive payments, and final paychecks
Manage payroll tax filings, W-2s, and year-end reporting
Maintain payroll system configurations (earnings codes, deductions, accruals, etc.)
Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll-related accounts
Assist with audits, reporting, and continuous process improvements
Administer employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, retirement, and leave plans)
Coordinate and manage open enrollment
Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related questions and issue resolution
Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations
Maintain accurate benefits data in HRIS systems
Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and payroll deductions
Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other regulations
Coordinate and administer Leave of Absence (LOA) programs, including tracking and documentation
Ensure compliance with labor laws, nonprofit regulations, and internal policies
Prepare and maintain payroll and benefits reports
Support audits and regulatory reporting requirements
Provide exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HR policies
Support onboarding processes related to payroll and benefits setup
Contribute to HR initiatives, system updates, and process improvements