Total Rewards Senior Specialist

GHJ•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

GHJ is looking for a Senior Specialist, Total Rewards WHY we get up in the morning At GHJ we help our people and clients pursue their passions, build thriving businesses, and create a better future. WHAT we believe We believe that collaboration is the foundation for success. We work as a business advocate for our clients – providing personalized service and building long-term relationships to help position our clients for the future. HOW we succeed We are deeply committed to our core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts and Bold Actions and incorporate them into every aspect of our business. By living these values, we are able to meet our strategic objectives of Remaining Fiercely Independent (financial success), Meeting client demands/needs (client success), Reinforcing and expanding cultural distinction (people success). Summary of Role: The Senior Specialist, Total Rewards supports the execution and administration of GHJ’s total rewards programs, including benefits, compensation, and payroll. Reporting to the Manager, People Operations & Total Rewards, this role partners closely with the broader People team and key external vendors to ensure accurate, compliant, and employee-focused delivery. GHJ utilizes Dayforce as its HRIS, Puzzle HR for managed payroll and benefits administration, and OneDigital for 401(k), leave of absence, and benefits support. The Senior Specialist acts as a day-to-day liaison with these partners, resolving issues, supporting escalations, and helping maintain strong vendor relationships. Key areas of responsibility include annual Open Enrollment, benefits and retirement plan administration, compensation review cycles, and bi-weekly payroll processing, along with ongoing process optimization and operational support. The Senior Specialist, Total Rewards owns the day-to-day execution and administration of GHJ’s total rewards programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a positive employee experience across benefits, payroll, and compensation.

Requirements

Strong attention to detail with the ability to reconcile data, spot issues, and follow them through to resolution.
Solid judgment and problem-solving skills, especially in areas that impact pay, benefits, or compliance.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities, particularly during payroll cycles and open enrollment.
Clear, approachable communicator who can explain benefits and pay topics to employees.
High level of discretion when handling sensitive employee and compensation information.
Comfortable partnering with vendors and working cross-functionally with People and Finance teams.
Process-oriented mindset with an interest in improving how work gets done.
A passion for serving others and a steady focus on the needs of the employees.
Fearless when approaching unknown territory – willing to get hands dirty and ask all the questions.
5+ years of progressive experience in total rewards, HR operations, or a related HR specialty, with hands-on responsibility for benefits, payroll, and compensation administration (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
Demonstrated experience managing bi-weekly payroll processing, including payroll audits, reconciliations, and coordination with external payroll providers
Experience working with benefits vendors/brokers and communicating effectively with associated internal and external parties
Strong working knowledge of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans (401(k)), leaves of absence, and open enrollment processes.
Experience supporting compensation review cycles and maintaining employee pay data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
Working knowledge of total rewards–related compliance and regulatory requirements, including ERISA, HIPAA, Section 125, Form 5500, Medicare reporting, and payroll tax filings (W-2, 1099).
Experience partnering with HRIS platforms (e.g., Dayforce) and third-party vendors to administer payroll and benefits programs.
Basic knowledge of payroll processing
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Strategic mindset and approach
Great organizational skills, high attention to detail, and strong sense of urgency
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Payroll & Pay Administration Partner with Puzzle HR to execute accurate and timely processing of two bi-weekly payrolls.
Review, reconcile, and validate timecard data, time-off transactions, and payroll previews prior to final submission.
Maintain employee payroll records, including pay changes, deductions, and direct deposit updates.
Review quarterly and annual tax reporting, including final Forms W-2 and 1099.
Process and calculate separation pay in a timely and compliant manner.
Benefits & Leave Administration Administer core and ancillary benefit programs, including health and welfare plans,charitable giving programs, EPA, and other employee perks.
Lead benefits renewal and annual Open Enrollment processes, in partnership with external vendors.
Manage Medicare eligibility administration and required employee notifications.
Oversee the leave of absence process, coordinating with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent and compliant execution.
Notify and educate employees on benefit programs, changes, and key deadlines.
Vendor & Compliance Oversight Serve as a primary point of contact with Puzzle HR and other benefits vendors to resolve issues and ensure service quality.
Coordinate with Puzzle HR to audit benefits carrier invoices against current enrollments and resolve discrepancies.
Maintain regulatory reporting and compliance requirements, including Form 5500, Section 125, HIPAA, Medicare Part D reporting, and annual workers’ compensation audits.
Compensation & Retirement Programs Administer compensation review cycles in support of performance management processes.
Support 401(k) administration, including change file verification, audits, and non-discrimination testing.