Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Job Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and employee-centered administration of payroll, benefits, and leave programs, primarily for U.S.-based employees, with opportunities to support select global benefits and compensation initiatives in partnership with the Total Rewards and Global People & Culture teams. This role serves as a trusted operational expert, ensuring seamless execution of payroll and benefits processes while supporting regulatory compliance and partnering closely with People & Culture, Finance, and external vendors.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process and manage time and attendance and full-cycle biweekly U.S. payroll accurately and on time, ensuring adherence to wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and internal controls.
• Maintain payroll and HRIS data ensuring accuracy for hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, pay changes, deductions and special payments; validate data accuracy through regular audits.
• Reconcile payroll results, research discrepancies, and coordinate corrections in partnership with Finance and payroll vendor.
• Support year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing, taxable benefit reporting, and payroll audits.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Administer health, welfare, retirement, and company leave programs, including eligibility, enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations.
• Administer and track FMLA, ADA, and company leave programs, ensuring timely documentation, accurate tracking, and clear, empathetic communication with employees.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll, benefits, and leave questions, providing clear guidance and resolution-focused support.
• Support annual open enrollment, plan renewals, and benefits communications in partnership with the Senior Manager, Total Rewards.
• Coordinate with Global People & Culture partners to support benefits-related processes for non-U.S. employees, as applicable, within defined scope and guidelines.

Operational Compliance & Controls

• Execute payroll, benefits, and leave processes in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., FLSA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA).
• Maintain accurate records, tracking logs, and documentation to support audits, reporting, and internal controls.
• Prepare and support required filings and audits for both payroll and benefits functions.
• Apply established policies and procedures consistently, identifying opportunities to strengthen controls and reduce compliance risk.
• Escalate compliance risks, discrepancies, or regulatory changes to the Senior Manager, Total Rewards for interpretation and direction.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Document, review, and improve payroll, benefits, and leave workflows to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Produce standard and ad hoc reports to support Total Rewards operations, audits, and decision-making.
• Participate in Total Rewards initiatives such as compensation cycles, system updates, and cross-functional projects.
• Assist with the administration and documentation of global benefits or compensation programs as needed, ensuring alignment with established guidelines and local requirements.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in HR, Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field required (or equivalent work experience); Bachelor's preferred.
• 5-7 years of combined experience in payroll and benefits administration, including 2+ years in HR operations.
• Multi-state payroll experience in small to mid-size organizations.
• Direct experience with payroll and benefits systems (UKG, PlanSource preferred).
• Nonprofit experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of payroll, benefits, and related compliance requirements, including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, labor laws, and payroll taxes.
• Strong attention to detail with commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines independently and adapt to evolving priorities, responsibilities, and processes in a dynamic People & Culture environment.
• Employee-focused customer service mindset with clear, empathetic communication.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment.
• Collaborative approach working across matrixed People & Culture teams and other cross-functional partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a changing environment, adapting priorities and responsibilities as People & Culture processes, systems, and structures evolve.

Pay and Benefits

• The annual base salary range for this position is between $80,000-$90,000. Where a candidate falls within that range is dependent on the experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set.
• 403(b) Savings Plan with employer contribution
• Medical insurance
• Telemedicine
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employee and family assistance program
• Various voluntary options for additional plans or coverage levels