Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Our client is a leading manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, is seeking an experienced Bilingual Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team in Tulsa, Ok. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits programs for a manufacturing workforce. This position serves as the primary day-to-day contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries while supporting compliance, recordkeeping, and HRIS data integrity.

Working closely with the HRIS & Payroll Manager, this role ensures payroll accuracy, benefit enrollment administration, employee communication, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in delivering exceptional customer service to employees while maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail.

Payroll & Benefits Specialist Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Process weekly and/or bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees.
• Review timekeeping records for completeness and accuracy, ensuring proper coding of hours worked, overtime, paid time off, and leave balances.
• Audit payroll data and identify discrepancies prior to payroll processing.
• Process payroll adjustments, wage changes, deductions, bonuses, and retroactive payments.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, garnishments, wage assignments, and direct deposit administration.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues in a timely manner.
• Support year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation and distribution.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and beneficiary updates.
• Assist employees with benefit questions and provide education regarding available benefit programs.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and enrollment meetings.
• Support annual open enrollment planning, communication, and processing activities.
• Coordinate with benefit carriers and third-party administrators to resolve employee benefit issues.
• Monitor benefit deductions to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Maintain benefit records and ensure timely processing of enrollment changes.

HRIS & Employee Data Management

• Enter and maintain employee information within the HRIS system.
• Process personnel changes including hires, promotions, transfers, compensation adjustments, and terminations.
• Perform routine audits to ensure employee data accuracy and completeness.
• Generate reports related to payroll, benefits, and employee data as requested.
• Assist with HRIS testing, upgrades, and process improvements.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with payroll and benefits regulations, company policies, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain confidential employee information and records.
• Assist with ACA reporting, audits, and compliance activities.
• Support preparation of reports for internal and external audits.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper filing systems.

Employee Support

• Serve as a resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HR-related processes.
• Provide excellent customer service while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Assist employees with completion of benefit forms and required documentation.
• Support HR initiatives, employee programs, and special projects as assigned.

Payroll & Benefits Specialist Requirements:

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of payroll and benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing payroll in a manufacturing or multi-shift environment.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
• Experience supporting open enrollment and employee benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour regulations, and employee benefits administration.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.