Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Tierra Encantada HQ•Minneapolis, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Tierra Encantada is seeking a Sr. Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our growing team supporting both our Headquarters and Centers across multiple states. In this role, you will own payroll and benefits for Tierra Encantada - ensuring every employee is paid accurately and on time, that our benefits programs run smoothly, and that we remain compliant across all states in which we operate. When employees go on leave, you are the expert our team relies on for pay calculations, benefit continuation, and HRIS accuracy, working hand-in-hand with our HR Generalist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. This role reports directly to the CHRO with a close working relationship with the HR Generalist. We are not looking for someone who simply processes payroll - we are looking for someone who makes it better.

Requirements

4 to 6+ years of payroll and benefits experience with direct ownership of end-to-end payroll processing in a multi-location and multi-state environment is required.
Experience owning end-to-end payroll processing for 150+ employees in a multi-location or multi-state environment is required.
Experience owning reporting, building workflows, analyzing data, reducing errors, and improving processes related to benefits and payroll functions.
Experience overseeing the company wide open benefits enrollment from start to finish.
Deep knowledge and comfortability with leave laws (FMLA, state leaves, etc.) and how they interact with payroll.
Ability to influence without direct authority and build trust.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience managing highly confidential information, detail-oriented, and process-disciplined.
Comfortable operating in ambiguous and evolving environments.

Nice To Haves

iSolved, Rippling , ADP, Paylocity or comparable HRIS/payroll platform experience is strongly preferred.
Experience with or curiosity to explore AI and automation tools and use them responsibly to reduce manual work without sacrificing accuracy or confidentiality.
Experience in childcare, education, retail, or other high-volume hourly workforce environments.
CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or PHR/SHRM-CP a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

Process multi-entity, multi-state bi-weekly payroll on a recurring basis from start to finish - including review, corrections, submission, and post-payroll follow-up, ensuring accuracy.
Manage payroll timelines and deadlines across all entities and pay groups
Process payroll deductions (garnishments, advances, childcare discounts, PTO)
Handle payroll corrections promptly and communicate proactively with affected employees
Respond to employee payroll questions with a service-first mindset
Streamline and automate manual payroll workflows over time
Train and maintain the HR Generalist as a payroll backup capable of running payroll independently when needed
Deliver payroll reports and support audit outcomes
Ensure 100% enrollment accuracy - all employees paying correct benefit amounts, terminated employees removed on schedule
Own the annual open enrollment process end-to-end: renewal planning, broker/vendor coordination, plan comparison, employee communications and meetings, enrollment setup, post-enrollment audits and issue resolution
Maintain relationships with benefit brokers and providers
Keep HRIS benefit records current and accurate
Own payroll execution for all leaves of absence - ensuring pay calculations are accurate for FMLA, parental leave, bereavement, and other paid/unpaid leaves
Partner with the HR Generalist (who owns leave coordination and tracking) to ensure seamless handoffs between leave intake and payroll execution
Calculate leave pay, deductions, and ensure accurate benefit continuation during leaves
Stay current on federal and multi-state leave laws and their payroll implications
Maintain 100% compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and benefits regulations across all operating states
Obtain and maintain unemployment IDs for each new state entity as we expand
Support WOTC processing in coordination with the Talent Acquisition team
Ensure accurate payroll and benefits recording in the general ledger in coordination with Accounting and Finance
Deliver payroll and benefits reports on time; support internal and external audit outcomes

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
12 paid holidays
PTO accrual of 120 hours
401(k) with 3% employer match
Discounted childcare and waitlist priority for enrollment
Company paid professional development
1 remote work day per week
Corporate office amenities (gym, wellness/nursing room, onsite company cafe with coffee, espresso bar, beverages, and snacks available to employees at no cost, onsite free parking), casual work environment, and employee-focused events.