PAYROLL & BENEFITS SPECIALIST

ST JOHN KNITS INC•Anaheim, CA

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist supports the day-to-day payroll operations and benefit administration for the company. This role is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, timecard review, batch imports, retro calculations, commission and bonus payouts, and monthly reporting. In addition, the position assists with benefits billing, reconciliations, carrier payments, and employee support related to payroll and benefit deductions. The Specialist will work closely with the Director of Payroll & Benefits to ensure compliance, accuracy, confidentiality, and exceptional employee service. Must be bilingual (English/Spanish) with professional working proficiency.

Requirements

2+ years of payroll processing experience preferred; benefit administration experience a plus.
Strong knowledge of ADP Workforce Now (or similar HRIS/payroll system) required.
Understanding of payroll laws, multi-state taxation, and wage & hour compliance is preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, exporting/importing files) strongly preferred.
High level of confidentiality, accuracy, and accountability.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Must be bilingual (English/Spanish) with professional working proficiency.

Responsibilities

Process weekly and bi-weekly payroll in ADP with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Review and audit electronic timecards for completeness and compliance with company policies and state regulations.
Process retro payments, adjustments, and missed punches when required.
Upload and post ADP batch imports (e.g., commissions, bonuses, allowances, allotments, reimbursements).
Validate new hire, termination, transfer, and pay rate changes for payroll accuracy.
Review payroll previews to identify and resolve errors before payroll submission.
Maintain payroll records and support audit requirements.
Assist with year-end tax items (W-2 statements, taxable benefit reporting, etc.).
Process termination checks with off cycle payrolls or Wisely pay.
Reconcile monthly benefit carrier invoices (medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life & disability, etc.) against payroll deductions.
Submit payments to carriers and ensure billing deadlines are met.
Submit check request to accounting departments for processing.
Monitor benefit enrollment changes and payroll deduction updates.
Assist with resolving benefit-related payroll discrepancies.
Coordinate with HR on eligibility, life events, COBRA notifications, and enrollment updates.
Generate and distribute monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc payroll and benefits reports to Finance, HR, and leadership as needed.
Maintain and update payroll calendars, deduction schedules, and audit checklists.
Support SOX controls through accurate documentation and secure data handling.
Assist with internal and external audits as required.
Respond to employee payroll and benefit deduction questions in a timely and professional manner.
Provide exceptional customer service with clear communication and follow-through.