HR Payroll Specialist

Benefits : 401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job Title : HR & Payroll Specialist

Reports To : Human Resources Manager

FLSA Status : Salary / Exempt

Approved By : Human Resources Department

Updated : 10 / 2025

Summary / Objective

The HR & Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing payroll operations, supporting employee inquiries, administering benefits, and coordinating leave claims. This role requires strict confidentiality, exceptional accuracy, and strong attention to detail. The specialist ensures timely and compliant payroll processing, maintains employee records, and serves as a key liaison between employees, providers, and internal HR systems.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Payroll Administration

Process bi-weekly and special payrolls using an external payroll provider.

Review and validate employee time punches for accuracy and compliance.

Set up and manage payroll garnishments, taxes and other deductions.

Submit employee payroll contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and 401(k) plans.

Conduct regular payroll audits & reconciliations to ensure data accuracy and compliance.

Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.

Ensure timely and accurate processing of year end governmental payroll requirements.

HRIS & Employee Records

Enter and maintain employee data in the HRIS system (new hires, changes, separations).

Upload and manage employee documents in electronic personnel files.

Complete employment verifications for external agencies.

Employee Support & Benefits Administration

Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and leave policies.

Maintain accurate employee data with third-party benefits administrators.

Employee Leave Management & Coordination

Submit and manage workers’ compensation and disability claims.

Coordinate care and return-to-work status with employees, managers and claims adjustors.

Communicate effectively with external partners to support employee recovery and compliance.

Administer Family Medical Leave processes.

General

• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with coworkers, management, and vendors with a constant commitment to teamwork and exemplary customer service.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management in a professional and efficient manner.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations and adhere to all policies and procedures as specified in company manuals and the employee handbook.

Participate in all company driven communication efforts including department meetings, electronic communications (email and text) and other related efforts.

Proactively seek and participate in available company sponsored training to develop skills and knowledge.

Maintain prompt and regular attendance according to department and company policies.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. This is an onsite position and does not offer remote work options.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7 : 30 a.m. to 4 : 30 p.m.

Travel

0%.

Job Requirements

3 to 5 years of proven experience in payroll processing and HR support.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.

Familiarity with HRIS systems and electronic document management.

Knowledge of benefits administration and workers’ compensation, FMLA & leave procedures.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Commitment to confidentiality and data protection.

Ability to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Ability to independently prioritize and plan work activities and meet deadlines.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.