PAYROLL / BENEFITS SPECIALIST Full-Time

$55,000 - $60,000/Yr

Life Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Pittsburgh, PA

101-250 employees

Social Assistance

About the position

The Payroll/Benefits Specialist at LIFE Pittsburgh plays a crucial role in managing the payroll process and employee benefits for a workforce of 300-350 employees. Reporting directly to the Director of Human Resources, this position is responsible for the overall timekeeping and biweekly payroll processing using Paylocity. The specialist ensures compliance with all relevant Federal and State laws, including FLSA and ERISA, while providing exceptional customer service to both management and employees. The role requires a commitment to the mission and core values of LIFE Pittsburgh, which focuses on supporting the elderly in maintaining their dignity and independence within the community. Key responsibilities include maintaining, preparing, and processing a bi-weekly payroll schedule, which involves daily updates in the HRIS system, monitoring the Time & Labor system, and verifying accuracy before processing payroll. The specialist is also tasked with ensuring timely and accurate transmission of local quarterly and year-end tax requirements, garnishments, and 401(k) elections. Providing superior customer service is essential, as the specialist will handle inquiries regarding payroll policies, payment deductions, and resolve related issues promptly. In addition to payroll duties, the specialist coordinates and administers employee benefits enrollment, educates employees on benefit details and coverage levels, and assists with resolving claims and denial issues with insurance carriers. The role also involves analyzing invoices for accuracy, maintaining statistics and census data, and identifying trends that require attention. The specialist will oversee all leaves of absence (LOA) to ensure compliance with documentation and return-to-work procedures. The position may also include additional essential and non-essential functions as assigned by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall timekeeping and biweekly payroll processing for 300-350 employees using Paylocity.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws related to payroll and benefits administration.
• Provide superior customer service to management and employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues.
• Maintain, prepare, and process a bi-weekly payroll schedule, including daily updates in the HRIS system.
• Monitor the Time & Labor system and verify accuracy prior to payroll processing.
• Ensure timely and accurate transmission of local quarterly and year-end tax requirements, garnishments, and 401(k) elections.
• Coordinate and administer employee benefits enrollment and educate employees on benefit details and coverage levels.
• Analyze invoices for accuracy and prepare them for payment while maintaining statistics and census data.
• Oversee and monitor all leaves of absence to ensure compliance with documentation and procedures.
• Perform additional essential and non-essential functions as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Proven experience with administering the payroll process in a 200+ employee environment.
• Working knowledge of Federal and State laws affecting payroll and benefits.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, HRIS databases, and payroll processing software (Paylocity).
• Excellent communication skills with all levels of staff, maintaining patience and professionalism.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a high-paced work environment.
• Certification in HR or payroll processing preferred.
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance, with a vehicle for travel.
• High School Diploma or equivalent (BA in related field preferred).
• Minimum of 1-3 years relevant experience with payroll and benefit administration.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification in HR or Payroll processing preferred.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching
• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Extensive employee benefits package