Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Kids for the Future; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future in Maine is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to ensure accurate, timely weekly payroll processing and benefits administration. You will collaborate with HR, Finance, and vendors to maintain records and deliver responsive service.

The role requires strong payroll judgment, meticulous documentation, confidentiality, and the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies. This is a full-time, on-site position in Westbrook with hourly pay between $25 and $30.

Qualifications

• Experience with weekly payroll processing.
• Knowledge of payroll laws and compliance.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll in the HRIS/payroll system.
• Enter and validate pay changes, deductions, garnishments, direct deposits, tax changes, and leave accruals.
• Run pre-processing audit and investigate variances before payroll is finalized.
• Confirm required approvals and supporting documentation are complete.
• Complete and retain payroll processing checklists and reconciliation documentation.
• Conduct post-payroll reconciliation and coordinate corrections.

Job description

• Location 15 Saunders Way,Suite 500-G,Westbrook, ME, 04092,United States
• Base Pay $25.00 - $30.00 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Hourly
• Manage Others No

Description

Nature of Work : The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for accurate , timely , and well-controlled weekly payroll processing and for the day-to-day administration and reconciliation of employee benefit programs. The position also administers employee leaves, including FMLA, Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave, and other approved leaves, and supports compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The role requires strong payroll judgment, disciplined follow-through, precise documentation, confidentiality, and the ability to identify , investigate, resolve, and promptly amplify discrepancies. The Specialist partners closely with managers, Human Resources, Finance, employees, benefit carriers, brokers, and system vendors to maintain accurate records and deliver responsive service.

Essential Functions:

Payroll Administration and Controls

• Process weekly payroll in the HRIS/payroll system in accordance with the established payroll calendar and submission deadlines.
• Enter and validate employee pay changes, status changes, deductions, garnishments, direct deposits, tax changes, leave accruals, retroactive adjustments, and other authorized payroll transactions.
• Run and review pre-processing audit and exception reports; investigate unusual entries or variances before payroll is finalized .
• Confirm required approvals and supporting documentation are complete. Escalate missing approvals or unresolved discrepancies before the payroll deadline.
• Complete and retain the payroll processing checklist, control totals, approvals, and reconciliation documentation for each payroll cycle.
• Conduct post-payroll review and reconciliation, identify errors, coordinate corrections, and document