Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Specialist

Akin (formerly Children's Home Society of Washington + Childhaven); Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Collaborative culture

Hybrid work environment

Systems improvement opportunities

Job summary

Akin in Seattle is seeking a Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Specialist to join our People & Culture team. This role focuses on accurate payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave compliance, acting as a trusted expert for employees.

You'll partner with HR and Finance, liaise with UKG Payroll Services, manage enrollments, audits, and reporting, and help improve HRIS data and processes while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field
• 3–5 years of payroll, benefits, or HR administration
• Demonstrated experience using HRIS systems and Excel

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on-time
• Audit, reconcile, and report payroll data
• Manage garnishments and payroll inquiries
• Oversee benefits programs and open enrollment
• Administer FMLA, state leave, ADA accommodations
• Ensure ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA compliance
• Collaborate with HR and Finance; liaise with UKG Payroll Services
• Enhance HRIS reporting and data accuracy

Skills

Payroll

Benefits admin

Compliance

Attention to detail

Analytical

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Business/HR/Accounting

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

HR certifications (PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS)

Tools

UKG

SQL

Job description

At Akin, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for a detail-oriented and service-driven Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Specialist to join our People & Culture team—someone who thrives on accuracy, enjoys solving problems, and is passionate about creating a seamless employee experience.

In this role, you’ll be a trusted expert supporting payroll, benefits, and leave programs that directly impact our employees’ well-being. If you enjoy working behind the scenes to make things run smoothly—and love partnering across teams to improve processes—this could be a great fit.

What You’ll Do

Payroll Excellence

• Process accurate, on-time bi-weekly payroll and maintain payroll records
• Perform audits, reconciliations, and reporting to ensure data integrity
• Manage garnishments, child support orders, and payroll inquiries
• Partner with HR and Finance and serve as liaison with UKG Payroll Services

Benefits Administration

• Oversee employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more
• Manage enrollments, life events, and vendor relationships
• Reconcile benefits data and invoices; support Open Enrollment
• Help enhance benefits programs and employee communications

Leave & Compliance

• Administer FMLA, state leave, ADA accommodations, and related programs
• Track leave usage and ensure compliance with regulations
• Support workers’ compensation claims and return-to-work programs
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and other regulations

What You Bring

• Strong knowledge of payroll and benefits administration
• Solid understanding of applicable laws and compliance requirements
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and customer service mindset
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3–5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, or HR administration
• Demonstrated experience using HRIS systems and Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• HR or benefits certifications (PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, etc.)
• Experience with UKG, particularly payroll, benefits, reporting, and/or system administration
• Experience creating and customizing HRIS reports to meet business and operational needs
• Working knowledge of SQL and experience using queries to retrieve, analyze, or validate data
• Familiarity with basic coding, scripting, or other technical tools used to automate processes, manipulate data, or enhance reporting
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot system issues and identify opportunities to improve HRIS processes and reporting

Why Akin?

• Meaningful work that supports employees and communities
• Collaborative and mission-driven culture
• Flexible hybrid work environment (role-dependent)
• Opportunities to improve systems and make a real impact

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office setting with a hybrid option depending on business needs. It requires extended computer use, attention to detail, and the ability to manage interruptions in a fast-paced environment.

If you’re someone who takes pride in accuracy, values confidentiality, and enjoys being a go-to resource for employees—we’d love to hear from you.

Compensation And Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $75,000 - $90,000 per year, typically within the first half of the range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.