Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Company Background:Since our founding in 1883, UltraSource has served the processing and packaging equipment needs of thousands of companies worldwide in the meat and poultry, seafood, produce and dairy industries. Our comprehensive offering includes hundreds of products that enable us to custom tailor equipment solutions that meet the production line objectives, labor goals, budget constraints and brand image of our customers.Position OverviewWe are seeking a detail-oriented Benefits & Payroll Specialist to join our team. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits programs. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with all applicable regulations while providing exceptional service to employees regarding their compensation and benefits inquiries. This role will assist the Senior Director of Human Resources in daily tasks and administration.Core ResponsibilitiesPayroll ProcessingOversee and manage the complete bi-weekly payroll process for all employees, including calculating wages, bonuses, overtime, and deductions.Process new hires, terminations, transfers, and changes to employee information accurately and within established deadlines.Enter and review payroll data including time-off requests, hours worked, and exception reports, ensuring accuracy before processing.Reconcile payroll discrepancies and collaborate with HR and Finance teams to resolve issues promptly.Manage year-end processes including W-2 preparation and distribution.Benefits AdministrationAdminister comprehensive employee benefits programs, including enrollment, changes, and terminations.Maintain time off accruals and be the first point of contact for employees with questions.Conduct benefits orientation for new employees, ensuring timely completion and submission of all required paperwork.Coordinate and lead annual open enrollment periods, including employee communications, system updates, and enrollment processing.Manage and process payments for leave of absence programs, workers' compensation claims, FMLA administration.Serve as liaison between employees and insurance carriers to resolve claim issues and coverage questions.Maintain benefits information in HRIS and ensure accuracy of employee deductions.Compliance and Record-KeepingEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including FLSA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA, and state-specific requirements.Stay current on changes to payroll and benefits laws, tax requirements, and regulatory updates through professional development.Maintain confidential employee records and ensure accuracy of all payroll and benefits data in compliance with retention policies.Respond to employee inquiries via phone, email, Teams and in-person, providing clear explanations and timely resolution of issues.Process and maintain legal requirements such as wage garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies.Prepare and file required regulatory reports and documentation.Support internal and external audits by providing requested documentation and reports.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience).Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in payroll and/or benefits administration.Experience with multi-state payroll processing preferred.Experience with time and attendance systems preferred.Proficiency in payroll and HRIS systems (e.g., isolved, ADP, Workday, Paylocity, or similar platforms).Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).Experience with benefits administration platforms and carrier websites.Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals and payroll best practices.Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws.Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data management.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to explain complex information clearly to a wide variety of employees.Outstanding organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.Customer service orientation with professional demeanor.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.Continuous improvement mindset with willingness to streamline processes.Working ConditionsStandard office environment with occasional overtime during payroll processing periods, year-end, and open enrollment. The work environment is usually moderately quiet and is climate controlled. Requires sitting for extended periods while working at a computer (standing desk is available). Regular interaction with employees at all organizational levels.Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, stoop or kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr