Payroll & Benefits Specialist

The Park Bank•Fitchburg, WI

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Park Bank is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, & experienced professional to join our Human Resources team as a Payroll & Benefits Specialist. This critical role is responsible for administering payroll and benefits programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and an exceptional associate experience. As a member of our high-performing, collaborative HR team, the Payroll & Benefits Specialist partners with leaders, associates, vendors, and Finance to deliver operational excellence and support Park Bank’s strategic HR goals. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is the primary resource for payroll processing, benefits administration, HR systems data integrity, and associate inquiries. You thrive in a shifting environment, can pivot and adjust when needed, bring strong analytical skills, and are passionate about helping Park Bank attract, retain, and reward top talent. You take initiative, proactively identify process improvements, and enjoy turning ideas into impactful programs that support associate well-being and organizational success.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience in Business, HR, or related field
Minimum 5+ years of payroll administration experience
Minimum 5+ years of benefits administration experience
Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Commitment to confidentiality and compliance
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with Paylocity HRIS
Experience in a financial institution
Experience conducting training sessions

Responsibilities

Process and administer bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely
Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with wage and hour regulations
Review and audit payroll data including new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, benefit deductions, garnishments, and tax withholding changes
Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies
Administer paid time off, holiday pay, leave pay, and other earnings/deductions
Process year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation and distribution
Respond to associate questions regarding payroll procedures
Support payroll-related audits and regulatory examinations
Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation
Generate payroll and labor cost reports for leadership and Finance
Recommend process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency
Administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit programs
Lead annual open enrollment activities, communications, and associate education
Serve as the primary point of contact for associate benefit questions and issue resolution
Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events
Maintain benefit eligibility and dependent verification records
Coordinate with benefit carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators
Assist with retirement plan administration
Monitor vendor performance and escalate issues when necessary
Maintain salary grades, job codes, and compensation-related data within HRIS and Salary.com
Prepare compensation analyses and reports for HR leadership and management
Support annual merit increase, market adjustment, and incentive compensation processes
Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, parental leave, military leave, and other leave programs
Coordinate with associates, managers, payroll, and third-party administrators regarding leave requests
Ensure proper documentation and compliance with applicable regulations
Assist with compliance related to ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations
Support preparation of required benefit and compensation reporting
Maintain personnel records and documentation in accordance with legal requirements
Assist with audits and regulatory examinations as needed
Ensure confidentiality and security of compensation and benefit information
Maintain compensation and benefits data integrity within HRIS and Salary.com
Generate workforce, compensation, and benefits reports and analytics
Develop and update associate communications, guides, and FAQs
Support HR projects, process improvements, and system enhancements
Assist with onboarding and offboarding activities related to payroll and benefits