Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Location: [Insert Location or “Remote/Hybrid Available”]
Department: Human Resources
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a Payroll & Benefits Administrator to support day-to-day HR operations and ensure an exceptional employee experience. This position manages payroll and benefits processing, employee inquiries, and leave administration with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and empathy. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys problem-solving, and takes pride in delivering detail-oriented, people-focused HR support.

What You’ll Do

• Payroll & Benefits Administration:
• Process and maintain all benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Administer wellness and eligibility files, COBRA events, and vendor updates.
• Coordinate with benefit and payroll vendors to ensure accurate employee data and deductions.
• Employee Support & Communication:
• Respond to approximately 50 daily inquiries from employees via the shared HR inbox.
• Use discretion and sound judgment when deciding between email or phone communication.
• Provide empathetic, accurate, and timely responses to benefits and payroll questions.
• Leave of Absence (LOA) Coordination:
• Manage all administrative aspects of employee leave programs.
• Partner with third-party FMLA vendors to track cases and maintain accurate documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional leave policies.
• Compliance & Data Accuracy:
• Maintain data integrity within HR systems and ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Conduct regular audits to verify accuracy of benefits, deductions, and eligibility files.
• Partner with HR leadership to resolve discrepancies and streamline workflows.
• System & Vendor Management:
• Utilize HRIS platforms (UKG preferred) to manage employee benefit and payroll data.
• Collaborate with benefit carriers, leave vendors, and HR team members to optimize processes.

What You Bring

Required:

• 3+ years of experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• Strong understanding of benefit plans, COBRA, and leave administration.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Effective communication and customer service skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with UKG (or similar HRIS system).
• Prior work with FMLA vendors and/or higher education institutions.
• Familiarity with wellness and eligibility file management.

Who You Are

• Empathetic & patient: Supports employees with care and professionalism.
• Organized & detail-driven: Handles complex data and multiple priorities seamlessly.
• Adaptable: Thrives in an environment with shifting needs and systems.
• Collaborative: Works well across HR functions to deliver cohesive support.

How You’ll Succeed

• Accurately process payroll and benefits with minimal errors.
• Ensure timely and compliant leave administration.
• Deliver clear and empathetic communication to all employees.
• Contribute to improved HR efficiency and reduced administrative burden for leadership.

Hiring Process

• Resume Review
• Initial Virtual Interview with HR Management
• Team Interview with Benefits & Leave Support Staff
• Final Interview with HR Director (Virtual or In-Person)

Start Date: Flexible — hiring for the right fit.

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a collaborative, professional HR team that values accuracy, empathy, and follow-through. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on both employee experience and organizational effectiveness.