The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits programs across the organization. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for Workday Payroll and Benefits, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while delivering exceptional support to employees, managers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
The position combines payroll processing, Workday system administration, benefits management, compliance, reporting, audits, and employee support. The Payroll & Benefits Administrator partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and external providers to ensure efficient and compliant payroll and benefits operations.
Essential Responsibilities:
Payroll Administration
- Process and administer bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll cycles through Workday Payroll.
- Execute on-cycle and off-cycle payroll runs.
- Process payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, leave events, garnishments, and benefit deductions.
- Validate earnings, taxes, deductions, and timekeeping data to ensure payroll accuracy.
- Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations prior to payroll approval.
- Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation.
- Prepare payroll-related reports and assist with year-end processing, including W-2 activities.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
Benefits Administration
- Administer employee benefit programs including:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Retirement Plans
- Wellness Programs
- Other company-sponsored benefits
- Manage benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, employee changes, and terminations.
- Serve as the primary contact for benefit-related inquiries and issue resolution.
- Coordinate with benefit carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to ensure timely and accurate administration.
- Review, reconcile, approve, and process benefit invoices.
- Support annual open enrollment planning, communications, and employee education.
- Assist in evaluating benefit programs and market competitiveness.
- Maintain benefits documentation and employee communications.
Workday System Administration
- Maintain and optimize Workday Payroll and Benefits configurations.
- Ensure payroll and benefits processes are aligned within Workday HCM.
- Support Workday business processes, reporting, audits, and data integrity.
- Participate in Workday testing activities for system updates, enhancements, and new releases.
- Troubleshoot payroll, benefits, and system-related issues.
- Support integrations between Workday and third-party vendors.
Compliance, Auditing & Reporting
- Maintain compliance with applicable payroll, tax, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other employment regulations.
- Monitor legislative changes impacting payroll and benefits administration.
- Conduct routine audits of employee records, benefit plans, payroll data, and system transactions.
- Prepare required reports, filings, and supporting documentation for audits and regulatory agencies.
- Assist with compliance reporting and data requests.
Employee & Vendor Support
- Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers regarding payroll, deductions, benefits, and Workday self-service functions.
- Resolve payroll and benefits issues in a timely and professional manner.
- Develop employee communication materials and educational resources.
- Coordinate with insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, and external vendors.
- Conduct benefits information sessions and support annual enrollment activities.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits processes, controls, and employee experience.
- Recommend system enhancements and automation opportunities.
- Support HR initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of combined payroll and benefits administration experience.
- Minimum 3 years of Workday Payroll experience.
- Experience administering multi-state payroll preferred.
- Experience administering health and welfare benefit plans, retirement programs, and leave-related benefits.
- Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and benefits platforms.
