Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end processing of payroll, while also supporting benefits administration. This role requires strong technical fluency with ADP workflows, file feeds, APIs, and integrations with third-party platforms (including medical/benefits carrier platforms), combined with excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.

This is a full-time on-site position requiring daily collaboration with HR, Finance, and department leaders across the organization to ensure compliance with payroll regulations, benefit administration and agency policies.

Key Responsibilities

Process payroll accurately and on time using ADP Reviews time and attendance records and ensure adherence to established payroll schedules for processing payroll through the HRIS system Manage and troubleshoot ADP workflows, including approvals, earnings/deductions set up, and reporting Monitor and maintain ADP file feeds, API connections, and integrations with third-party and medical/benefits platforms, resolving discrepancies as they arise Reconcile payroll data, run calculations (overtime, retro pay, garnishments, PTO accruals, etc.)

, and audit for accuracy before submission Collaborates with HR to address payroll/benefits-related data, such as new hires, terminations, and changes in employment status notifying appropriate allocations Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll/benefits-related inquiries, resolving employee questions with patience and professionalism Prepare and distribute payroll reports for HR and Finance leadership Assist with day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement) Support the coordination of data feeds and integrations between ADP and medical/benefits carrier platforms Help process new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations within benefits systems Support open enrollment processes, including data audits, system testing, and employee communications Partner with brokers/carriers to troubleshoot eligibility, billing, or enrollment discrepancies Work closely with HR, Finance, and department managers to ensure smooth payroll and benefits operations Act as a resource to management, helping problem-solve payroll and benefits-related issues Support special projects and assigned audits.

Stay current on ADP system updates and recommend process improvements Qualifications: An associate degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on payroll processing experience, with demonstrated proficiency in ADP (Workforce Now or similar ADP platform) Strong knowledge of payroll processes, laws, and regulations.

Experience supporting or administering employee benefits programs Strong problem-solving skills — comfortable digging into a calculation error, a broken file feed, or a workflow issue and working it through to resolution Excellent customer service skills; a warm, patient, and approachable communication style, since much of this role involves fielding employee calls and questions Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive, confidential information discretely Strong written and verbal communication skills