Payroll & Benefits Specialist

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our growing logistics company. This role will oversee all aspects of payroll processing and employee benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service to our employees. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (or similar ADP platforms), a strong understanding of payroll regulations, and a solid background in benefits management.

As our company continues to expand, this position will play a key role in developing efficient payroll and benefits processes, implementing best practices, and supporting a positive employee experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration:

• Manage and process biweekly payroll accurately and timely through ADP for hourly, and salaried associates.
• Maintain and update employee records, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings in the payroll system.
• Review and reconcile payroll reports; ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Audit timekeeping records, pay codes, and PTO balances to ensure accuracy and policy compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries and issue resolution.
• Partner with HR and Accounting to ensure accurate general ledger reporting and payroll-related journal entries.
• Stay current on payroll regulations, tax changes, and compliance requirements.

Benefits Administration:

• Lead annual benefits renewal analysis, collaborating with brokers to evaluate plan performance, cost trends, and employee utilization data.
• Oversee the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), and wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and ensure timely communication of benefit changes to employees.
• Liaise with insurance brokers, benefit carriers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee and plan issues.
• Manage benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations; ensure accuracy in ADP and carrier systems.
• Prepare and submit required benefit-related reports, audits, and compliance filings (ACA, 5500s, etc.).
• Manage leave of absence programs (FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and personal leave), ensuring compliance and communication consistency.
• Educate employees on benefit options and provide support for claims and coverage questions.

Process Improvement & Compliance:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll and benefits efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, benefits regulations (ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA), and company policies.
• Track and analyze payroll and benefits metrics (e.g., benefits participation, labor cost trends, and error rate) to identify improvement opportunities.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and uphold data integrity standards.
• Support HR projects related to compensation, workforce analytics, and policy development.

Leadership & Collaboration

•      Train and mentor HR team members on payroll and benefits processes, fostering cross-departmental understanding.
•      Partner with HR leadership to design and administer compensation structures that align with organizational objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 7 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a logistics, transportation, or distribution environment.
• Strong proficiency with ADP (Workforce Now, Vantage, or similar) required.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations, benefits compliance, and HR best practices.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and HRIS systems

Work Environment: This is a non-exempt position. This role will be performed in an office environment.

Additional Information: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the employee. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.