Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Description The Payroll and Benefits Specialist owns critical payroll and benefits administration with a focus on accuracy, compliance, data integrity, and well-documented processes. This role supports a multi-state, growth-oriented organization by ensuring payroll, benefits, and related systems operate with consistency, clarity, and disciplined follow-through.

This is a hands-on specialist role for someone who takes pride in doing detailed work correctly, closing loops, and strengthening processes over time. The role brings discipline, consistency, and risk mitigation to payroll and benefits operations while supporting a reliable employee experience. Location: This position is in our Birmingham office.

The role can be remote for a highly qualified candidate. If in Birmingham, AL , our office works a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 remote). If remote, occasional travel to Birmingham will be required including onboarding. Reports to: VP of Human Resources What You'll Do Payroll Administration Process multi-state payroll accurately and on time, including earnings, deductions, taxes, reimbursements, and adjustments Review payroll inputs and outputs for accuracy, completeness, and compliance before payroll is finalized Maintain payroll records, reconcile payroll data, and support year-end payroll reporting, including W-2 preparation and review Maintain state tax accounts, including setup, updates, and ongoing compliance coordination Research payroll discrepancies, resolve issues with care, and document outcomes clearly Benefits Administration Administer benefits through Employee Navigator, using established carrier feeds while ensuring benefit changes are accurately reflected for payroll processing Maintain established benefit carrier feeds through Employee Navigator and monitor data accuracy between benefit carriers, Employee Navigator, BambooHR, and payroll Enter or upload Employee Navigator benefit changes into BambooHR as needed to support accurate payroll processing Upload 401(k) deferral information manually after each payroll cycle, since retirement plan deductions are not included in established carrier feeds Support benefits reporting, eligibility review, enrollment changes, and employee benefit questions with accuracy and care Compliance, Reporting & Audit Readiness Support ACA, Form 5500, cafeteria plan, workers compensation, payroll tax, and retirement plan compliance requirements Maintain organized, audit-ready payroll and benefits documentation Generate and validate reporting that supports Finance, HR, and operational decision-making Partner with brokers, carriers, auditors, vendors, Finance, and HR to resolve issues and verify data accuracy Identify and mitigate payroll, benefits, and compliance risks through strong controls and proactive process management Operational Ownership & Process Improvement Document, standardize, and improve payroll, benefits, and compliance processes Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and control weaknesses, then recommend and implement practical process improvements with appropriate review and documentation Reduce reliance on manual workarounds by documenting repeatable steps, strengthening controls, and improving system accuracy Support scalable operations by helping create clearer workflows, cleaner data, and stronger handoffs across systems and teams Advisor-Facing Program Support Support Advisor reimbursement agreements and related payroll, benefits, billing, and reporting alignment for the RFG Talent program Coordinate with internal partners to ensure Advisor-related employment and reimbursement processes are accurate and documented Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive employee, payroll, benefits, and Advisor-related information Measures of Success Payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable requirements Employee Navigator carrier feeds operate accurately, while non-feed items such as 401(k) deferrals are processed manually with accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate review Payroll and benefits data remains clean, current, and reliable across systems ACA, Form 5500, cafeteria plan, and 401(k) compliance requirements are completed accurately, on time, and with appropriate review Processes are documented, repeatable, and easier to audit or hand off Issues are investigated thoroughly, resolved accurately, documented clearly, and escalated appropriately when needed

Requirements

Experience 3-6+ years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, or related operations Demonstrated experience managing multi-state payroll and compliance requirements Experience with ACA, Form 5500, cafeteria plan, and 401(k) compliance filings Experience transitioning from an outsourced ASO or PEO model to in-house operations preferred Background in a multi-state or professional services environment preferred Skills & Competencies Ownership mindset: sees work through start to finish, not transaction to transaction Detail-driven, with a low tolerance for error in high-stakes processes Strong follow-through on delegated work; reliable without needing to be asked twice Comfortable with a defined transition period (new payroll provider rollout), backed by close support from HR leadership Clear, factual communicator who translates complexity into plain language for stakeholders Handles sensitive data with discretion and care Technology & Tools Recent experience with BambooHR is preferred Experience building or maintaining EDI feeds between carriers and HRIS systems Proficiency with AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) to improve productivity, documentation, and workflow efficiency Education Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent professional experience

Core Competencies

Company RFG Advisory is a platform for growth-minded Independent Advisors who want to scale without compromise. We're building the RIA of the Future-powered by innovation, collaboration, and execution. We take care of each other first. We show up with servant hearts and growth mindsets. We lead boldly, iterate to excellence, and commit to getting 1% better every day.

If you're energized by precision, structure, and being the person who makes it all happen-we'd love to meet you. www.RFGadvisory.com/awards This hiring process may include the use of automated tools to assist with resume review. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by qualified human reviewers. For more information about our hiring practices, data use, and accommodation request procedures, please review our Privacy Policy.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

Benefits

and Compensation Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 Competitive salary + bonus pool Generous PTO, holidays, and a Charitable Service Day Health, dental, vision insurance + RFG Advisory stipend Flexible Spending Account (Health and Dependent Care) + HSA for applicable coverage Lifestyle Spending Account 401(k) with Safe Harbor contribution Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability, life insurance Surface Pro + home office setup Pet Insurance Continuing education and professional development support