Payroll & Benefits Administrative Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Administrative Specialist administers payroll, benefits, and related compensation programs to ensure accuracy, compliance, and excellent employee service. This role partners with Human Resources, Finance/Accounting, leaders, and employees to support efficient processing, benefit administration, and responsive issue resolution.

This position manages end-to-end payroll processing (including multi-state, exempt/non-exempt, commissions, incentives, and off-cycle payrolls), benefits administration, retirement plans, leave management, and reporting/audit support. The role also supports HR generalist tasks and process improvement while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration & Compliance

· Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payrolls for multiple entities and employee populations (exempt, non-exempt, commission), ensuring accurate wages, commissions, incentives, deductions, garnishments, and benefits.

· Maintain payroll records for new hires, promotions, job changes, terminations, and leaves of absence; prepare supporting documentation such as payroll registers and payroll tax filings.

· Prepare and issue manual checks, final pay, and special payroll adjustments.

· Reconcile payroll and benefit billing and create required journal entries to the general ledger in coordination with Accounting/Finance.

· Prepare and distribute payroll reports for management, finance, audits, year-end processes, and agency inquiries; investigate and resolve discrepancies.

· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including payroll tax filings and agency reporting.

HRIS & Payroll Systems Management

· Serve as a system administrator for payroll and HRIS platforms (ADP Workforce experience preferred).

· Maintain data integrity across payroll, time and attendance, benefits, ACA tracking, employee classification, eligibility, and job data.

· Recommend and implement system improvements, procedure updates, and payroll process enhancements; provide guidance and training to employees and internal stakeholders as needed.

Benefits & Retirement Administration

· Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), ESPP, COBRA, and voluntary benefits.

· Assist employees with benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, contribution changes, and coverage questions.

· Implement annual benefit renewal adjustments in ADP Workforce; ensure correct payroll deductions and reconcile benefit invoices to payroll.

· Support retirement and incentive compensation programs, ensuring payments align with internal agreements and compliance standards.

Employee Lifecycle & Leave Management

· Support onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring timely payroll and benefits setup and termination.

· Support time tracking and administration for leaves of absence (FMLA, state paid leave programs, disability, and workers’ compensation), including documentation, timelines, pay coordination, and compliance requirements.

· Respond to employment verification requests and employee payroll-related inquiries.

HR Generalist & Operational Support

· Assist HR leadership with employee relations support, audits, compliance initiatives, and maintaining organized, confidential, audit-ready records.

· Partner with managers to ensure consistent application of payroll, benefits, and HR policies.

· Participate in cross-functional meetings and operational planning; support special HR projects.

Requirements:
Required Skills & Competencies

· Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion; high integrity, professionalism, and strong internal customer service.

· Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, and benefits administration, including multi-state payroll requirements.

· High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; able to work independently while collaborating across teams.

· Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas such as VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, conditional formatting, and basic charts).

Qualifications

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

· 3–5+ years of progressive payroll and benefits administration experience.

· ADP Workforce payroll experience and competency are required.

· HRIS experience is strongly preferred.

· Payroll certification (CPP or FPC) preferred.

· Experience in regulated or multi-state environments preferred.

Work Environment

· Office environment with moderate noise and regular interaction with employees.

· Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

· Frequent internal communication and deadline-driven workflows.

Benefits:
• Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays
• 401(k) plan with discretionary match available
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Voluntary benefits including Critical Illness, Group Accident, Short Term Disability and Voluntary Life
• Employee Referral Program
• Discounts on the GOVX website

Pay Range
$28.85 - 33.65 per hour

AAP/EEO Statement
EOE. Veterans/Disabled. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position will require successful completion of a background check and drug testing prior to starting employment.

About GOVX
Savings for Those Who Serve

GOVX was founded in 2011 to offer exclusive benefits to those who serve our country. The GOVX membership is comprised of current and former members of the United States military, law enforcement, firefighting, medical services, and government personnel. GOVX is dedicated to supporting these communities and to offering unique value to our members, while delivering an authentic platform for brands to reach our growing customer base. As the largest and fastest growing digital platform serving this deserving audience, we are committed to stretching the limits of ecommerce to deliver the best assortment for our members’ on-duty and off-duty needs.