Payroll, Benefits and Leave of Absence Specialist

Baldwin Supply Company•Plymouth, MN

7h•$65,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll, Benefits and Leave of Absence Specialist administers multi-state payroll, employee benefits programs, and leave processes. The role oversees bi-weekly payroll for all employees and monthly commission payroll, supports benefits enrollment and auditing, and ensures compliance with federal and state leave requirements, including FMLA and Minnesota Paid Leave. The specialist is a resource for employees and managers on payroll, benefits, and leave questions and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Baldwin Supply Company has supported American manufacturing since 1920. It serves industries including food and agriculture, packaging, mining, and infrastructure, and describes its culture as stable, relationship-oriented, and built around long-tenured employees. The position is full-time, salaried, and onsite, reports to the HR Director, and is primarily performed in an office environment. Work includes prolonged sitting and computer use, communicating in person, by phone, and electronically, and occasionally lifting up to 15 pounds.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, and leave management.
Experience administering FMLA, ADA, and state leave programs.
Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
Strong knowledge of payroll practices, tax regulations, and wage and hour laws.
Working knowledge of employee benefits administration and leave regulations.
Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, and Minnesota Paid Leave requirements.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and auditing capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
Professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience processing multi-state payroll.
Manufacturing, distribution, or industrial industry experience.

Responsibilities

Process and administer accurate bi-weekly payroll for all employees.
Process monthly commission payroll payments on the 20th of each month.
Review payroll data, including earnings, deductions, benefits, bonuses, commissions, and tax withholdings.
Audit payroll records and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
Coordinate payroll activities with Finance and third-party payroll providers.
Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Prepare payroll reports and respond to payroll inquiries from employees and management.
Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and payroll reconciliations.
Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and employee assistance programs.
Coordinate new-hire enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and annual open enrollment.
Conduct benefits audits, reconcile benefit invoices, and work with vendors to resolve discrepancies.
Evaluate benefit plans and recommend improvements to employee experience, utilization, and cost effectiveness.
Partner with benefit brokers and vendors on plan administration and employee education.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and issue resolution.
Manage leave programs, including FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave, ADA accommodations, personal leave, military leave, and other statutory leaves.
Coordinate leave requests from initial intake through return-to-work and provide required notices, forms, and documentation.
Track leave usage and maintain accurate records in accordance with legal requirements.
Communicate with managers about leave status, return-to-work planning, and compliance obligations.
Coordinate with third-party administrators, insurance carriers, and employees throughout the leave process.
Maintain confidentiality of medical and personal employee information.
Ensure compliance with employment laws related to payroll, benefits, and leave administration.
Assist with audits, reporting requirements, and regulatory filings.
Develop and maintain payroll, benefits, and leave procedures and documentation.
Support HR projects and initiatives as assigned.
Maintain employment records and HRIS data accurately and confidentially.