Payroll and Benefits Specialist

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

📋 Description

• Accurately process payroll in a timely manner, encompassing time records, earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, bonuses, reimbursements, garnishments, and adjustments.

• Manage DCAA-compliant timekeeping and labor-charging processes for a Government contractor.

• Oversee timesheet submissions and supervisor approvals; investigate any late, missing, incomplete, or unusual entries.

• Maintain controls and audit trails for modifications and adjustments to timesheets.

• Reconcile timekeeping records with payroll and labor-distribution reports; investigate discrepancies and ensure proper cost-objective classification.

• Uphold timekeeping policies, charge-code authorizations, employee acknowledgments, training documentation, and supporting records.

• Assist with DCAA, DCMA, customer, and internal reviews, audits, floor checks, and employee interviews.

• Audit payroll inputs and outputs; resolve any discrepancies; prepare payroll registers, period-end reports, and account reconciliations in collaboration with Finance.

• Maintain payroll and benefits records throughout the employee lifecycle.

• Administer health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs, including enrollments, qualifying life events, eligibility changes, terminations, and vendor file reviews.

• Act as the primary contact for employee and manager inquiries regarding pay, deductions, taxes, timekeeping, leave, and benefits.

• Coordinate efforts with payroll providers, benefit carriers, brokers, and vendors.

• Support payroll tax filings, year-end activities, W-2 processing, benefit reporting, audits, and submissions at federal, state, and local levels.

• Monitor regulatory changes and suggest updates to processes or policies.

• Ensure data integrity across HRIS, payroll, timekeeping, and benefits systems; generate recurring and ad hoc reports.

• Develop and maintain employee communications, process documentation, calendars, and standard operating procedures.

• Train employees and managers on timekeeping and self-service tools.

• Safeguard confidential employee information and adhere to internal controls, record-retention policies, and privacy practices.

• Collaborate with the Head of People and Finance on benefits planning, payroll budgeting, vendor management, and People Operations priorities.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, accounting, business administration, or a related discipline.

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in payroll and benefits administration, including direct ownership of recurring payroll cycles.

• Ability to prioritize competing tasks, document processes, and collaborate effectively with People, Finance, managers, employees, and external partners.

• Solid understanding of payroll practices, payroll taxes, wage-and-hour regulations, benefits eligibility, and associated recordkeeping responsibilities.

• Familiarity with Government contracting timekeeping and labor-charging controls, including accurate recording of hours, authorized charge codes, supervisor approvals, documented corrections, segregation of direct and indirect labor, and reconciliation of timekeeping, payroll, and labor-distribution records.

• Experience with payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and benefits administration systems.

• Proficient in spreadsheets, including reconciliations, lookups, and data validation.

• Ability to analyze detailed information, identify discrepancies, perform accurate calculations, and adhere to fixed deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

• High level of discretion, integrity, customer focus, and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive employee-first benefits package with at least 90% employer-paid plans for employees and their dependents.

• Optional HSA/FSA account offerings.

• Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days.

• Federal holidays.

• Value-based compensation.

• Year-end bonuses for eligible employees.

• Beverages and snacks provided throughout the day.

• Paid team meals based on office requirements.

• 401(k) plan.

• Relocation assistance.

• Professional development stipend.