HR Payroll Specialist

Job Purpose

The HR/Payroll Specialist provides customer-focused support and administration across various HR and Payroll programs, policies, and procedures. This role plays a key part in ensuring operational excellence in employee benefits, HR systems, compliance, and employee relations, directly contributing to the achievement of organizational HR objectives.

Essential Functions

HRIS Administration

• Oversee onboarding activities and ensure seamless new-hire data integration into the HRIS.
• Maintain data accuracy and integrity in the HRIS according to established protocols.
• Troubleshoot HRIS data errors and coordinate corrections with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Perform data audits, generate ad hoc reports, and maintain reporting dashboards in Excel.
• Develop and refine system workflows in collaboration with Payroll.
• Produce routine reports, including terminated employees, benefits eligibility, COBRA, and 401(k) activity.
• Conduct periodic I-9 compliance audits.

Health & Welfare Benefits Administration

• Serve as the primary contact for employee inquiries regarding health and welfare plans.
• Resolve benefit issues efficiently, liaising between employees and insurance carriers/vendors.
• Manage the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications and system updates.
• Maintain accurate benefit records and ensure compliance with audits and regulatory requirements.
• Administer COBRA and 401(k) programs, including eligibility, enrollment, and audit preparation.
• Reconcile monthly group insurance invoices and resolve discrepancies with carriers.
• Monitor and manage leave programs (FMLA, disability, workers' compensation, and military leave).
• Process unemployment claims and maintain benefits enrollment and claims documentation.

Information Management & Process Improvement

• Administer HRIS workflows to track personnel activity and changes.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase automation and efficiency.

Document Management

• Distribute benefit enrollment materials and maintain electronic personnel files (e.g., new hire, performance, disciplinary, and training documentation).
• Respond to employment verification requests and manage general HR administrative tasks (copying, mailing, supplies, etc.).

Employee Relations

• Act as a resource to employees and managers on HR and benefits policies.
• Support managers in performance coaching, compensation reviews, and disciplinary actions.
• Partner with the HR Director to identify and address employee relations concerns proactively.

Customer Service

• Follow up on missing benefit enrollment data and respond to HR/Payroll inquiries.
• Provide information on leave balances, injury reports, and other employee requests.
• Manage ID badge issuance and renewals; oversee CAM-T certification processes.

Compensation Support

• Draft and update job descriptions; assist with FLSA classification under HR Director guidance.
• Prepare and distribute HR and payroll reports to internal stakeholders.

Workers' Compensation & Safety Administration

• Communicate safety and workers' compensation policies to staff.
• Partner with managers to monitor claims, manage injury reports, and reduce related costs.
• Coordinate return-to-work and light-duty programs.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements and support safety training and audit preparation.

Success Factors

• Proactive self-starter with strong initiative and independence.
• Demonstrated integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Proven ability to identify and implement process and service improvements.
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility across all organizational levels.
• Effective multitasking and prioritization in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Professional certifications (PHR, SPHR, CEBS) preferred but not required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive HR experience with exposure to benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, FLSA, EEO, and related federal/state regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); experience with HRIS and Payroll systems preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through on complex tasks.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50, $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Miami, FL 33133