Payroll & Benefits Specialist

ECN Operating • Austin, TX

3d • $55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll and employee benefits processes for a fast-growing clinical research startup. This role partners closely with the Director of Human Resources to support multi-state compliance, employee experience, and scalable HR operations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, service-driven, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

Requirements

• 25 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration
• Hands-on experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment and payroll regulations
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, UKG, Workday, or similar)
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a startup, healthcare, or clinical research/life sciences environment
• Benefits administration experience across multiple benefit plans and vendors
• Knowledge of ACA reporting and compliance
• Payroll certifications (FPC, CPP)

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll accurately and on time for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple states
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
• Maintain payroll records, timekeeping systems, and employee data in HRIS/payroll platforms
• Review and reconcile payroll reports, deductions, garnishments, bonuses, and adjustments
• Partner with Finance to support payroll reconciliations, audits, and reporting
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries and issue resolution
• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and ancillary benefits
• Manage benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations in coordination with payroll and vendors
• Support annual open enrollment, including employee communications, system updates, and vendor coordination
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, state-specific requirements)
• Respond to employee benefits questions with professionalism and confidentiality
• Support compliance with employment laws and regulations, including multi-state requirements
• Assist with audits, reporting, and documentation related to payroll and benefits
• Maintain accurate employee records in accordance with record retention requirements
• Partner with HR leadership on process improvements, system implementations, and scalability initiatives
• Contribute to HR policies, procedures, and employee communications related to pay and benefits

Benefits

• Opportunity to build and scale HR infrastructure in a growing clinical research organization
• High-impact role with direct partnership to HR leadership
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on advancing clinical research

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed