Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Lakeside HR Group•West Saint Paul, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lakeside HR Group has been engaged by our client to recruit for a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to join their team. Our client is a person-centered services organization committed to supporting employees through accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and benefits administration. This role serves as an important connection between Human Resources and Finance. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will manage bi-weekly payroll, support employee benefit programs, oversee compliance activities, and help improve payroll processes and systems. This is an individual contributor role with no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least four years of experience administering payroll and benefit programs.
Experience with UKG, including Kronos or UltiPro, and other payroll systems and software.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage documentation, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to evolving work environments.
Strong communication, judgment, accountability, initiative, flexibility, and collaboration skills.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must pass a background study in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C.
Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

Process single-state, bi-weekly U.S. payroll accurately and on time.
Validate timesheets, attendance records, benefit deductions, overtime calculations, and other payroll data for accuracy and compliance.
Prepare required payroll tax filings, reports, and payments, and assist with year-end payroll processing, including W-2s.
Administer employee benefit programs, including health, life, and disability insurance, and communicate eligibility, coverage, and plan changes to employees.
Oversee annual benefits open enrollment and monitor administrator and insurance carrier reports for compliance with plan requirements.
Administer employee savings programs, including 401(k), personal savings, and deferred compensation plans.
Support managers with UKG time and labor questions.
Maintain compliance with applicable COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, provider, and organizational requirements.
Develop and enhance payroll procedures, policies, controls, process improvements, and system enhancements.
Complete required records, reports, and documentation with support from HR leadership.
Handle confidential payroll, benefits, leave, and accommodation processes with discretion.
Perform other duties as assigned.