Multi-State Payroll & Benefits Lead

RFG Advisory; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

RFG Advisory is seeking a skilled Payroll Operations Specialist to own end-to-end payroll and benefits for a multi-state workforce. The role supports a transition to a new payroll provider, then stabilizes a precise, compliant operation with the VP of HR.

The position offers a path toward steady, routine cycles and requires precision, follow-through, and a steady hand. It can be remote for a highly qualified candidate, with occasional travel to Birmingham for onboarding.

Qualifications

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance every cycle.
• Review and validate payroll inputs including compensation changes, bonuses, deductions, and time data.
• Manage payroll taxes, filings, and reconciliations; proactively resolve discrepancies before they compound.
• Maintain audit-ready records and lead quarterly and year-end processes including W‑2s and reporting.
• Own benefits administration from the HRIS and carrier side: payroll deductions, eligibility alignment, and vendor coordination.
• Own ACA filing, Form 5500, cafeteria plan reporting, and 401(k) compliance testing and reporting.
• Verify benefit census and payroll deductions following open enrollment.
• Manage workers' compensation filings, audits, and reconciliations.
• Build and maintain EDI feeds between carriers and the HRIS.
• Generate and validate reporting that supports Finance, HR, and leadership decisions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, tax, and benefits regulations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement process adjustments proactively.
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and leadership on payroll accuracy, benefits execution, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance every cycle.
• Review and validate payroll inputs including compensation changes, bonuses, deductions, and time data.
• Manage payroll taxes, filings, and reconciliations; proactively resolve discrepancies before they compound.
• Maintain audit-ready records and lead quarterly and year-end processes including W‑2s and reporting.
• Own benefits administration from the HRIS and carrier side: payroll deductions, eligibility alignment, and vendor coordination.
• ACA filing, Form 5500, cafeteria plan reporting, and 401(k) compliance testing and reporting.
• Verify benefit census and payroll deductions following open enrollment.
• Manage workers' compensation filings, audits, and reconciliations.
• Build and maintain EDI feeds between carriers and the HRIS.
• Generate and validate reporting that supports Finance, HR, and leadership decisions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, tax, and benefits regulations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement process adjustments proactively.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks previously absorbed by external vendors.

Job description

RFG Advisory is seeking a skilled Payroll Operations Specialist to own end-to-end payroll and benefits for a multi-state workforce. The role supports a transition to a new payroll provider, then stabilizes a precise, compliant operation with the VP of HR.

The position offers a path toward steady, routine cycles and requires precision, follow-through, and a steady hand. It can be remote for a highly qualified candidate, with occasional travel to Birmingham for onboarding.