Payroll & Benefits Specialist

RFG Advisory • Birmingham, AL

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

RFG Advisory is transitioning from vendor-supported execution to internal operational strength, and this role will own the full scope of payroll and benefits for a growing, multi-state organization. This role rewards precision, follow-through, and a steady hand. The initial phase will focus on transitioning to a new payroll provider and establishing the associated processes, with close collaboration from the VP of Human Resources and HR Operations Specialist. Once the new system is operational, the role will transition to a steady cadence of running established processes with accuracy and consistency. This position is based in our Birmingham office, with the possibility of remote work for a highly qualified candidate. If located in Birmingham, AL, the office operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 remote). Remote employees will be required to travel to Birmingham occasionally for onboarding and other purposes.

Requirements

• 3-6+ years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, or related operations
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-state payroll and compliance requirements
• Experience with ACA, Form 5500, cafeteria plan, and 401(k) compliance filings
• Recent experience with BambooHR is required
• Experience building or maintaining EDI feeds between carriers and HRIS systems
• Proficiency with AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) to improve productivity, documentation, and workflow efficiency
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Ownership mindset: sees work through start to finish, not transaction to transaction
• Detail-driven, with a low tolerance for error in high-stakes processes
• Strong follow-through on delegated work; reliable without needing to be asked twice
• Comfortable with a defined transition period (new payroll provider rollout), backed by close support from HR leadership
• Clear, factual communicator who translates complexity into plain language for stakeholders
• Handles sensitive data with discretion and care

Nice To Haves

• Experience transitioning from an outsourced ASO or PEO model to in-house operations preferred
• Background in a multi-state or professional services environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Review and validate payroll inputs including compensation changes, bonuses, deductions, and time data.
• Manage payroll taxes, filings, and reconciliations; proactively resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain audit-ready records and lead quarterly and year-end processes including W-2s and reporting.
• Own benefits administration from the HRIS and carrier side, including payroll deductions, eligibility alignment, and vendor coordination.
• Own ACA filing, Form 5500, cafeteria plan reporting, and 401(k) compliance testing and reporting.
• Verify benefit census and payroll deductions following open enrollment.
• Manage workers' compensation filings, audits, and reconciliations.
• Maintain payroll and benefits data within the HRIS, ensuring accuracy and consistency across platforms.
• Build and maintain EDI feeds between carriers and the HRIS.
• Generate and validate reporting that supports Finance, HR, and leadership decisions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, tax, and benefits regulations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement process adjustments proactively.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks previously absorbed by external vendors.
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and leadership on payroll accuracy, benefits execution, and reporting.
• Collaborate with external vendors including carriers, brokers, and auditors as needed.
• Provide operational insights that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support the firm's continued growth.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + bonus pool
• Generous PTO, holidays, and a Charitable Service Day
• Health, dental, vision insurance + RFG Advisory stipend
• Flexible Spending Account (Health and Dependent Care) + HSA for applicable coverage
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor contribution
• Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability, life insurance
• Surface Pro + home office setup
• Pet Insurance
• Continuing education and professional development support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level