Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Carlton Fields - Tampa, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Tampa, FL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Carlton Fields is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist for its downtown Tampa office. This role is crucial in assisting the Payroll Manager with the necessary activities to process semi-monthly and monthly payrolls accurately and in a timely manner. The specialist will be responsible for auditing payroll reports post-processing to ensure accuracy and compliance. Additionally, the position involves assisting in the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, which include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and the 401(k) plan. The work requires a high level of confidentiality, extreme attention to detail, and the ability to work under general supervision. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist will provide backup support for all HR roles and functions, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of human resource files and records. The specialist will respond to and resolve administrative inquiries and questions, assist in processing payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data, and review and reconcile payroll information to detect and resolve discrepancies. The role also includes processing new hires and terminations, managing weekly non-exempt timesheets in Dayforce, and handling changes to employee personal information, tax profiles, benefit elections, and 401(k) contributions. Furthermore, the specialist will prepare semi-monthly and monthly reports, process unemployment insurance inquiries, and assist employees with benefits claim issues and plan changes. The position also involves assisting with leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork, responding to 401(k) inquiries, and supporting the open enrollment process. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, making this a dynamic role within the HR department.

Responsibilities

• Assist Payroll Manager in processing semi-monthly and monthly payrolls accurately and timely.
• Audit payroll reports post-processing to ensure accuracy.
• Administer all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) plan.
• Provide backup support for all HR roles/functions.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of human resource files and records.
• Respond to and resolve administrative inquiries and questions.
• Collect, calculate, and enter payroll information.
• Review and reconcile payroll information to detect and resolve discrepancies.
• Process new hires and terminations as directed.
• Manage weekly non-exempt timesheets in Dayforce.
• Process changes to employee personal information, tax profiles, benefit elections, and 401(k) contributions.
• Prepare semi-monthly and monthly reports.
• Process unemployment insurance inquiries and employment verification requests.
• Assist in year-end processes.
• Respond to calls and emails regarding payroll and benefit inquiries.
• Assist employees with benefits claim issues and plan changes.
• Assist with leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork.
• Respond to 401(k) inquiries relating to enrollments, plan changes, and contribution amounts.
• Assist with the open enrollment process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred, with a focus in human resources desirable.
• 3-5 years' experience in human resources with payroll and benefits.
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and payroll, including applicable laws.
• Experience working in a law firm or professional services preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance