Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Position Summary
The Payroll and Benefits Administrator, reporting to the Director of Human Resources, serves as the main contact for payroll and benefits for all Life Link III employees and vendors. This remote-capable role handles processing, inquiries, and issue resolution, and works closely with HR, Finance, and the benefits broker. Strong collaboration and alignment with Life Link III’s values are required.

 

Your Qualifications

• 5–10 years of multi-state payroll experience in healthcare or a complex industry.
• 1–3 years maintaining HRIS systems, including timekeeping and employee status changes.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulatory updates.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables).
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Proven process improvement and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative, service-oriented, and maintains confidentiality.
• Willing to travel 3–4 times per year within Minnesota and Wisconsin.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, accounting, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Prior experience leading or providing data in a payroll audit.
• Prior experience processing payroll using the UKG system is highly desirable.
• 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, including 401(k) plan management, is highly preferred.
• Previous experience in benefits and payroll reconciliation.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a plus.

 

Your Impact

Payroll

• Administer and process bi-weekly payroll for roughly 325 employees, serving as the subject matter expert for payroll and timecard issues, and providing guidance to employees and leaders on related questions or concerns.
• Oversee all aspects of the payroll cycle, including manual and off-cycle payroll processing, and ensure timely transmission of payroll data to relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate payroll reporting for general ledgers.
• Audit, reconcile, and securely store pre- and post-payroll reports, identifying and resolving discrepancies to ensure timely and accurate payroll submissions.
• Generate ad hoc reports as needed to support payroll reviews or recommendations.
• Collaborate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of payroll policies and guidelines, working closely with HR, finance and management to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Serve as the primary internal point of contact for employees regarding payroll inquiries, delivering personable, responsive, and professional customer service to resolve issues efficiently.
• Review and approve all employment changes, including new hires, terminations, and pay rate adjustments, ensuring accurate updates in HRIS and payroll systems.
• Work with the HR team to resolve workflow and data accuracy issues within HRIS.
• Oversee the processing of supplemental payroll items such as garnishments, loans, and levies.

Benefits

• Lead the annual benefits package review in partnership with brokers, providing strategic recommendations to leadership for open enrollment and benefits plan improvements.
• Lead annual audits and compliance initiatives, working with auditors and Finance to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and reports of all payroll and benefits transactions, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal wage and hour laws, and industry best practices.
• Administer daily operations of employee benefits plans, including enrollment, eligibility tracking, benefit billing, and issue resolution.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits inquiries, offering clear guidance and education on plan options, policies, and enrollment requirements.
• Develop and distribute communication materials for benefits plans, open enrollment, and wellness programs to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
• Partner with the HRIS Administrator to maintain and troubleshoot HRIS systems, particularly related to benefits setup, open enrollment, and data integrity.
• Collaborate with benefit brokers and HR leadership to evaluate plan performance, analyze trends, and recommend process improvements.
• Serve as the main point of contact for employees, leaders, brokers, and vendors regarding benefits administration, vendor billing, 401(k) plan management, benefits termination, unemployment insurance claims, and COBRA administration.
• Manage and execute annual open enrollment processes, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and effective communication with staff.

Other

• Reconcile benefit invoices and payroll reports, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Prepare data for annual reporting, audits, and required participant notifications to support compliance efforts.
• Continuously identify and implement opportunities to streamline benefits and payroll for efficiency and to enhance the employee experience.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll, benefits, 401(k), and HRIS systems, completing compliance reporting and related tasks as required.
• Maintain and update employment law posters as required to ensure compliance.
• Complete verifications of employment.
• Perform other HR and payroll duties as assigned.

 

What We Offer:

• Salary: $84,470 - $101,364 per year
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage starting the first of the month following date of hire
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
• 401k with employer match fully vested
• Generous paid leave and paid time off to foster work/life balance
• Life, disability, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Tuition/Training reimbursement program
• Internet and cell phone stipends
• Remote work environment