HR Operations & Payroll Specialist

Smart Media; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A Health Consumer Company is seeking an HR Operations & Payroll Specialist based in Manassas, Virginia. This role involves managing payroll processing, benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate will have 4–6 years of experience in HR operations and a strong understanding of payroll laws. Responsibilities include coordinating HR tasks for an excellent employee experience, auditing payroll data, and administering employee benefits programs.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in HR Operations and Payroll processing, supporting payroll tasks.
• Strong experience in Benefits administration and reconciliation.
• Experience managing leaves of absence including FMLA and ADA.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate HR operations tasks for payroll and benefits administration.
• Collect and verify payroll data while ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Administer employee benefits programs including open enrollment support.

Skills

Strong knowledge of payroll and HR compliance requirements

Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems

High attention to detail and accuracy

Strong organizational and communication skills

Education

4–6 years of experience in HR Operations and Payroll processing

Strong understanding of payroll laws and compliance requirements

Proficiency in payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

Overview

The HR Operations & Payroll Specialist for Granules Consumer Health plays a critical role in executing and supporting key HR operational functions. This role has primary accountability for payroll processing, benefits administration, benefits reconciliation, 401(k) administration, and leave management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and high-quality employee experience.

HR Operations Responsibilities

• Coordinate HR operations tasks to ensure process accuracy, timely communication, and excellent employee experience
• Provide responsive, high-quality employee support across HR topics and processes
• Assist with policy updates and communicate changes to employees and managers
• Maintain secure digital and physical personnel files in compliance with retention requirements
• Support internal and external audits and compliance reviews
• Identify gaps in HR operations and recommend solutions for efficiency
• Support employee lifecycle events (leaves of absence, performance cycles, benefits enrollment)
• Prepare employment letters, contracts, and documentation in alignment with company policies
• Review HR-related invoices and submit them to the CHRO or Accounting for payment processing

Payroll Administration Responsibilities

• Collect and verify payroll data, including hours worked, overtime, bonuses, leave, and other earnings
• Calculate wages, deductions, taxes, benefit contributions (insurance, retirement, etc.), and other withholdings with precision
• Process payroll accurately and timely in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain payroll records including new hires, transfers, compensation changes, and terminations
• Audit payroll data and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll submission
• Coordinate payroll-related activities with Finance and third-party vendors
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, leave balances, and payroll-related questions
• Maintain accurate and compliant payroll records, documentation, and audit trails
• Implement payroll policies and procedures and troubleshoot discrepancies, errors, or data conflicts
• Prepare payroll reports for HR leadership, Accounting, and auditors as needed

Benefits Administration Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations
• Support annual open enrollment activities and employee communications
• Serve as primary contact for employee benefits inquiries

Benefits Reconciliation Responsibilities

• Reconcile monthly benefits carrier invoices against enrollment data
• Identify, research, and resolve billing discrepancies with vendors
• Ensure accurate benefit deductions are reflected in payroll
• Maintain reconciliation documentation for audits and reporting

401(k) Administration Responsibilities

• Administer 401(k) enrollments, contribution changes, and participant updates
• Support annual nondiscrimination testing, audits, and reporting
• Respond to employee questions regarding retirement benefits

Leave Management Responsibilities

• Administer employee leaves of absence including FMLA, state leave programs, ADA accommodations, and military leaves
• Track leave usage, eligibility, and required documentation
• Coordinate leave approvals and payroll impacts with managers and payroll
• Ensure leave administration is compliant with applicable laws and company policies

Requirements

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of payroll and HR compliance requirements
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage confidential information
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Accuracy & attention to detail

Experience & Education

• 4–6 years of experience in HR Operations and Payroll processing, and related administrative function
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, federal and state regulations, and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong experience in Benefits administration and reconciliation
• 401(k) plan administration experience
• Leave of absence management experience (FMLA, state leaves, ADA)
• High attention to detail with excellent organizational and follow up skills
• Strong ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
• Ability to solve problems, analyze discrepancies, and work cross-functionally with HR and Accounting
• Notary certification (or willingness to obtain) is preferred
• Experience with Paylocity is a plus