Payroll and Benefits Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the complete payroll processing for US employees (and contractors, if applicable) on a bi-weekly or semi-monthly basis.

• Ensure the accuracy of payroll, including adjustments for salary changes, bonuses, garnishments, tax withholding, and retroactive changes.

• Collaborate with the Finance team to reconcile payroll data, maintaining organized records for audits and reporting purposes.

• Stay informed about federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations; proactively identify compliance risks.

• Act as the main contact for employee inquiries regarding payroll and swiftly resolve discrepancies.

• Assist with year-end processing tasks such as W-2s, ACA reporting, and necessary tax filings.

• Efficiently manage and respond to requests for employment and income verification.

• Oversee the company's equity program (stock options, RSUs, or similar) in collaboration with the Finance team.

• Administer the cap table platform (e.g., Carta, Pulley) by accurately processing grants, exercises, cancellations, and terminations on time.

• Clearly communicate equity-related information to employees, including grant notices, vesting schedules, exercise windows, and tax implications in understandable terms.

• Manage all leave programs such as FMLA, state-specific leaves, parental leave, medical leave, and any company-specific policies.

• Oversee daily benefits administration for medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, life insurance, and additional programs.

• Handle open enrollment processes from start to finish: system setup, employee communication, carrier coordination, and deadline management.

• Process qualifying life events in a timely manner and ensure employees are aware of their options.

• Manage unemployment insurance claims, including coordination with state agencies and responding to inquiries regarding claims.

⛳️ Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, or HR operations, ideally with exposure to at least two of the aforementioned functional areas.

• Practical experience with payroll software.

• Knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax laws and leave regulations (FMLA, state PFL, etc.).

• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, with experience in analyzing datasets.

• Experience in managing benefits programs, including coordination of open enrollment.

• Exceptional attention to detail, as payroll and equity errors can significantly impact individuals.

• Ability to manage sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism.

• Clear and empathetic communication skills; employees should feel informed and supported rather than confused.

• Familiarity with equity administration platforms (such as Carta, Pulley, or similar).

• Understanding of equity plan mechanics, including option types, vesting schedules, 409A, and related tax concepts.

• Experience in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment where programs are developed rather than merely maintained.

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, CPP, or similar) is preferred.

• Familiarity with HRIS platforms (Rippling, Deel, Workday, BambooHR, or similar).

🏝️ Benefits

• This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

• Please visit our Careers page to discover more about the various benefits we offer.