People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist

The People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for payroll administration, compensation programs, Total Rewards support, HR data integrity, and workforce analytics. This role is responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately and timely, compensation practices remain competitive and equitable, HR systems and data are maintained with accuracy, and leaders have access to meaningful insights to support business decisions.

The People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist is responsible for the administration and ongoing optimization of Total Rewards programs and processes, including payroll, compensation administration, market benchmarking, HR reporting, compliance, and HRIS data governance. This role ensures the accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness of People & Culture practices while supporting informed decision-making through data, analytics, and reporting.

The People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist partners closely with the VP of People & Culture, and the broader People & Culture team to ensure Total Rewards programs are accurate, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.

Essential Responsibilities

Payroll Administration & Compliance - Manage accurate and timely payroll processing in partnership with key internal stakeholders. Review, audit, and validate payroll inputs including earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, employee changes, and adjustments. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies while providing responsive support to employees and leaders. Maintain payroll records and documentation to support compliance and audit requirements. Ensure payroll practices align with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, and efficiency.

Compensation Administration & Total Rewards Support – Partner with the VP of People & Culture on compensation initiatives and Total Rewards strategies. Administer compensation programs, including salary structures, pay ranges, job data, and compensation records. Support the administration and ongoing evaluation of Total Rewards programs, ensuing practices remain competitive, equitable and aligned with organizational objectives. Conduct compensation analysis and market benchmarking to support competitive pay practices and compensation decisions. Support annual compensation processes including merit planning, salary reviews, and pay adjustments. Analyze internal equity and external market data to support compensation recommendations. Support benefit analysis, employee survey reporting, and other Total Rewards Initiatives as needed.

HRIS Data Integrity & Reporting - Serve as the subject matter expert for HRIS data related to payroll, compensation, and workforce reporting. Maintain accurate employee, compensation, organizational, and payroll data within UKG Ready. Perform regular audits to identify and resolve data inconsistencies. Develop and maintain recurring reports, dashboards, and workforce analytics. Support HRIS enhancements, system testing, reporting improvements, and process optimization. Partner with the People & Culture Operations Specialist to ensure HR data is accurate and effectively utilized. 

People Analytics & Workforce Insights - Analyze workforce data to identify trends related to headcount, turnover, compensation, staffing, and employee demographics. Develop dashboards and reporting tools that support leadership decision-making. Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports for organizational leaders and business needs. Support employee engagement survey administration, data analysis, and reporting. Translate People & Culture data into meaningful insights and recommendations.

Compliance, Audit Support & Process Improvement - Support compliance requirements related to payroll, compensation, HR reporting, and employment practices. Prepare documentation and reports for internal and external audits. Maintain records required for regulatory compliance and organizational reporting. Monitor changes impacting payroll, compensation, and HR reporting requirements. Recommend and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Knowledge & Skills

Experience:

·        5–8 years of progressive experience in human resources, with demonstrated expertise in payroll administration, compensation administration, HRIS management, and workforce reporting.

·        Experience managing payroll processes, including auditing, reconciliation, compliance requirements, and resolution of payroll-related issues.

·        Experience administering compensation programs, including salary structures, pay ranges, job data, and compensation reviews.

·        Experience supporting Total Rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, employee surveys, recognition, and other programs that support the employee experience.

·        Experience conducting compensation analysis, market benchmarking, and interpreting external market data.

·        Experience utilizing HRIS platforms to maintain employee data integrity, develop reports, and support system improvements.

·        Experience preparing HR reports, dashboards, analytics, and workforce insights to support business decisions.

·        Experience supporting compliance requirements, audits, and regulatory reporting.

Education:

·        Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

·        Payroll, compensation, or human resources certifications preferred, such as:

o  Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

o  Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

o  SHRM-CP

o  Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Interpersonal Skills:

·        Strong ability to build trusted relationships with employees, leaders, and internal partners.

·        Ability to communicate complex payroll, compensation, and HR data in a clear and understandable manner.

·        Strong customer service mindset with the ability to respond effectively to employee and leader needs.

·        Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and compensation information.

·        Strong collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across People & Culture, and organizational leadership.

·        Ability to influence decisions through data, insights, and thoughtful recommendations.

·        Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions.

Other Skills:

·        Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and dashboard creation.

·        Demonstrated ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance data analysis, automate routine tasks, and support informed decision-making.

·         Hands-on experience with UKG Ready or similar HRIS/payroll platforms, including payroll processing, reporting, data management, and system audits preferred.

·        Strong knowledge of payroll practices, compensation principles, Total Rewards programs, and HR compliance requirements.

·        Ability to analyze workforce data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.

·        Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in complex and confidential processes.

·        Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

·        Experience identifying process improvements and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

·        Ability to support HR technology enhancements, reporting improvements, and process optimization initiatives. 

Compensation: $75,500 - $82,500