What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll and Benefits Analyst position at Synapse-ITS?
Description:
The Payroll and Benefits Analyst is responsible for processing payroll for approximately 250–300 employees (including about 30 in Canada) and administering U.S. and Canadian benefit programs. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with all local, state, federal, and provincial regulations, and seamless coordination between HR, Accounting, and Finance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process biweekly payroll for U.S. employees and semi-monthly payroll for Canadian employees
- Manage employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
- Serve as backup for leave of absence (LOA) administration and compliance tracking
- Partner with Accounting to complete payroll journal entries and monthly benefit reconciliations
- Support year-end activities, including 401(k) census preparation and participation in the 401(k) audit
- Maintain accurate employee records, wage and deduction data, and tax documentation
- Provide payroll and benefits reporting and analysis to HR and Finance leadership
- Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and adherence to all payroll and benefits regulations
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of payroll processes, deductions, and tax compliance
- Experience with benefit administration and vendor coordination
- Excellent analytical and reconciliation skills with a high level of accuracy
- Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems (Paylocity experience preferred)
- Advanced Excel skills for reporting and reconciliation (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, etc.)
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines
- High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information
- Effective communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
Qualifications:
- 3–5 years of experience in end-to-end payroll and benefits administration
- Proven ability to run payrolls independently and accurately, including reconciliations and reporting
- Experience with multi-state and/or Canadian payroll preferred
- Degree in Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field preferred
- Familiarity with federal, state, and provincial compliance requirements