Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end processing of payroll, while also supporting benefits administration. This role requires strong technical fluency with ADP workflows, file feeds, APIs, and integrations with third-party platforms (including medical/benefits carrier platforms), combined with excellent customer service and problem-solving skills. This is a full-time on-site position requiring daily collaboration with HR, Finance, and department leaders across the organization to ensure compliance with payroll regulations, benefit administration and agency policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and on time using ADP
• Reviews time and attendance records and ensure adherence to established payroll schedules for processing payroll through the HRIS system
• Manage and troubleshoot ADP workflows, including approvals, earnings/deductions set up, and reporting
• Monitor and maintain ADP file feeds, API connections, and integrations with third-party and medical/benefits platforms, resolving discrepancies as they arise
• Reconcile payroll data, run calculations (overtime, retro pay, garnishments, PTO accruals, etc.), and audit for accuracy before submission
• Collaborates with HR to address payroll/benefits-related data, such as new hires, terminations, and changes in employment status notifying appropriate allocations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll/benefits-related inquiries, resolving employee questions with patience and professionalism
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for HR and Finance leadership
• Assist with day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement)
• Support the coordination of data feeds and integrations between ADP and medical/benefits carrier platforms
• Help process new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations within benefits systems
• Support open enrollment processes, including data audits, system testing, and employee communications
• Partner with brokers/carriers to troubleshoot eligibility, billing, or enrollment discrepancies
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and department managers to ensure smooth payroll and benefits operations
• Act as a resource to management, helping problem-solve payroll and benefits-related issues
• Support special projects and assigned audits.
• Stay current on ADP system updates and recommend process improvements

Qualifications:

• An associate degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on payroll processing experience, with demonstrated proficiency in ADP (Workforce Now or similar ADP platform)
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, laws, and regulations.
• Experience supporting or administering employee benefits programs
• Strong problem-solving skills — comfortable digging into a calculation error, a broken file feed, or a workflow issue and working it through to resolution
• Excellent customer service skills; a warm, patient, and approachable communication style, since much of this role involves fielding employee calls and questions
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive, confidential information discretely 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills