Payroll and Benefits Specialist
July 9, 2026
Job Summary
The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of employee benefit programs and assisting with the processing of payroll. This role serves as the primary point of contact for benefits inquiries, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and partners with HR, finance, and external vendors to support employee well-being and operational accuracy. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and thrives in a collaborative yet independent role.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration
• Assist with processing bi-weekly or weekly payroll cycles, including wage calculations, deductions, bonuses, commissions, and manual checks.
• Maintain and update payroll records for new hires, terminations, changes in employment status, tax elections, and direct deposit information.
• Assist with reviewing and importing hours from time and attendance systems (e.g., Paycor), reconcile discrepancies, and ensure accurate submission of benefit elections to benefit vendors through payroll software.
• Assist with regulatory payroll requirements such as garnishments, tax levies, and wage withholding orders.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports, statements, and summaries related to benefits for internal stakeholders.
• Support payroll audits and ensure accurate year-end tax filings and compliance reporting.
Benefits Administration
• Support the coordination of employee benefit and wellness programs, including enrollment, changes, COBRA, terminations, and leave tracking (FMLA, disability).
• Serve as liaison between employees and benefit vendors to resolve issues and ensure accurate enrollment and billing.
• Assist with the coordination of the annual open enrollment process, including preparation of communication materials, facilitation of meetings, and processing of benefit changes.
• Conduct benefits orientation as part of the onboarding process.
• Process leave documentation, send out required notifications, and determine initial leave eligibility under direct supervision.
• Coordinate with the Payroll department to ensure accurate compensation and deductions for employees on paid or unpaid leave.
• Manage monthly benefit billing and payment reconciliations by comparing carrier invoices to payroll deductions, enrollment files, and payment records to ensure billing accuracy, resolve variances, and prevent overpayments or underpayments.
• Monitor compliance with benefit-related laws and assist with 401(k) and EEOC reporting.
Collaboration & Communication
• Act as a point of contact for employee payroll and benefits questions, ensuring prompt and professional service.
• Work closely with HR, finance, and department managers to ensure smooth payroll/benefit operations.
• Support audits, reporting requirements, and special projects as needed.
Qualifications
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (equivalent experience will be considered).
• 2–5 years of experience in multi-state payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Experience with Paycor or other HRIS systems required.
• Familiarity with compliance reporting (e.g., EEOC, 401(k) audits) and applicable labor/tax regulations.
• Strong Excel and data management skills; reporting experience a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a customer service mindset.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Human Resources Professional certification is a plus.
Additional Working Conditions
• Requires availability to work beyond normal workday
• Work environment consists substantially of indoor office activities performed in a heated/air-conditioned setting
• Position requires the need to walk, sit, and/or stand for extended periods of time
• Requires stooping, bending, crouching and/or reaching for files or tools
• Frequent repetitive hand movement (e.g. typing)
• May lift, carry and/or push up to 20 pounds
• Appointees will be required to possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable according to agency guidelines only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $58,000 – $65,000.
Benefits
• Health insurance
• FREE Dental insurance
• FREE Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Dependent Care flexible spending account
• Commuter flexible spending account
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off including 14 Holidays
• Hybrid Schedule
• Flexible Work Hours
• 401(k) – Employer contribution of 6%
This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.
- Chicago, IL
- Full-Time
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
- FLSA Exempt