Payroll and Benefits Administrator

HR One; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sutton Real Estate is seeking a Payroll/Benefits Administrator to manage weekly payroll and employee benefits across multiple properties. You will ensure accurate processing, compliance with laws, and responsive support on payroll and benefits questions.

The role requires high accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and strong communication with employees, Property Managers, and internal departments. Experience with Payentry is preferred and Excel proficiency is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• Knowledge of Payentry payroll software.
• Strong Excel and numerical data skills.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion.
• Effective communication with employees, managers, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for multiple properties using Payentry.
• Review timecards and ensure accuracy of hours, PTO, and overtime.
• Coordinate with Property Managers on timecard approvals and corrections.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and maintain confidential payroll records.
• Administer employee benefits programs (medical, dental, life, 401(k), PTO, etc.).
• Open enrollment, benefits changes, and enrollment documentation.
• Handle accounts payable checks and ensure timely processing.

Skills

Payroll processing

Benefits administration

Accounting basics

Excel proficiency

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Tools

Payentry

Job description

Sutton Real Estate is seeking a Payroll/Benefits Administrator to be responsible for the accurate and timely administration of weekly payroll, employee benefits, and related financial and administrative processes for multiple properties managed by Sutton Real Estate.

This position requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with employees, Property Managers, and internal departments.

The Payroll/Benefits Administrator will serve as a resource for employees and management regarding payroll, benefits, and related questions while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process weekly payroll for multiple properties using Payentry payroll software.
• Review and verify employee timecards to ensure hours worked, overtime, PTO, and other payroll-related information are accurate and complete.
• Communicate with Property Managers regarding timecard approvals, discrepancies, and required corrections.
• Review payroll data for accuracy prior to processing and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and enter transactions into the accounting system.
• Maintain accurate and confidential payroll records and documentation.
• Research, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Process wage garnishments, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements, as well as company policies and procedures.
• Identify payroll errors and make appropriate corrections while maintaining accurate documentation.
• Provide timely and accurate responses to employee questions regarding payroll, deductions, tax forms, and other payroll-related matters.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee compensation, personal information, and other sensitive payroll data.

Benefits Administration

• Administer Sutton's employee benefit programs, including:
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• SIMPLE IRA
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Time
• Paid Family Leave
• Process employee benefit enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations accurately and within established deadlines.
• Coordinate and administer the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications and required documentation.
• Respond to employee questions regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and deductions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential benefits records and documentation.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, benefit providers, and internal personnel to resolve enrollment, billing, and coverage issues.
• Process and coordinate Workers' Compensation and Disability claims and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Ensure benefits administration practices are consistent with company policies and applicable requirements.

Accounts Payable Check Processing

• Print and process accounts payable checks for all properties managed by Sutton.
• Ensure checks are processed accurately and in accordance with established accounting procedures and schedules.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation related to check processing.
• Coordinate with internal personnel as necessary to resolve discrepancies or processing issues.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in payroll administration, benefits administration, accounting, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of payroll processing and payroll software; experience with Payentry is preferred.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and journal entries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to work with spreadsheets and numerical data.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet recurring payroll and benefits deadlines.
• Ability to identify, research, and resolve discrepancies and errors.
• Ability to handle confidential employee and financial information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide accurate, timely, and professional responses to employee and management inquiries.
• Familiarity with federal and state payroll forms, including W-4 and W-9 forms, and an understanding of how applicable elections affect payroll processing.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with Property Managers, employees, accounting personnel, benefit providers, and other internal stakeholders.

Pay Rate Range: $30.00 - $40.00 Depending on Experience

Schedule: 5 Days a Week / 35 Hours Per Week

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.