Payroll Specialist

HGA; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Success sharing bonus

401(k) guaranteed contribution

Paid parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

PTO

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Job summary

HGA is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Minneapolis, MN to support accurate and timely payroll for ~1,100 employees across multiple states. You will manage day-to-day payroll administration, maintain records, answer inquiries, and assist with reporting and audits.

Collaborate with Senior Payroll Manager and Benefits team to ensure compliance, data integrity, and employee service excellence across payroll and benefits processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Demonstrated payroll reconciliation and reporting experience.
• Experience with payroll and benefits administration systems; ADP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process assigned components of regular and off-cycle multi-state payrolls.
• Process payroll-related transactions including new hires, terminations, deductions, and rate changes.
• Review payroll reports and employee data for accuracy.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation.
• Assist with payroll audits, year-end activities, and W-2 reconciliation.
• Support benefit enrollments, deductions, and changes.

Skills

Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/HR/Business

Tools

ADP

HRIS

Job description

Overview:

Payroll Specialist

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Join HGA's Human Resources team as a Payroll Specialist who will be responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 1,100 employees across multiple states. This role manages day-to-day payroll administration, maintains employee payroll records, responds to payroll inquiries, and assists with payroll reporting, compliance, and audit activities.

Working closely with the Senior Payroll Manager and Benefits team, the Payroll Specialist independently oversees assigned payroll and benefits processes, ensuring the accurate processing, reconciliation, and administration of payroll and benefit transactions. The role also supports regulatory compliance, system administration, reporting, audits, and employee service initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, payroll tax administration, and benefits administration. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, a commitment to confidentiality, strong analytical skills, and a customer-focused approach to supporting employees and internal stakeholders.

In this role you will focus on these areas:

Payroll Administration

• Process assigned components of regular and off-cycle payrolls for a multi-state employee population.
• Process payroll-related transactions, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, deductions, garnishments, direct deposit updates, and other employee data changes.
• Review payroll reports and employee data for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with regular and off-cycle payroll processing.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee pay data and payroll documentation.
• Research and resolve routine payroll discrepancies.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding pay, deductions, direct deposits, garnishments, and payroll procedures.
• Support payroll-related onboarding activities for new employees.
• Maintain payroll documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Benefits Support

• Assist with employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations and qualifying life events.
• Coordinate benefit deduction updates between payroll and benefits systems.
• Coordinate leave-related payroll and benefit changes with the HGA's leave administrator.
• Respond to routine employee questions regarding benefit deductions and enrollment status.
• Support annual open enrollment activities and employee communications.
• Maintain accurate benefit-related records and documentation.
• Escalate complex benefits questions and plan-related issues to Benefit and Compensation Manager.

Reconciliation, Reporting & Compliance Support

• Reconcile payroll and benefits records and research discrepancies.
• Prepare standard payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Assist with quarterly, annual, and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 reconciliation and reporting support.
• Assist with payroll audits and data validation activities.Support year-end payroll activities and employee record reviews.
• Maintain compliance with company payroll procedures and applicable regulations.
• Assist with document requests for internal and external audits.

Systems & Process Support

• Utilize payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and benefits systems to support payroll operations.
• Maintain employee records and approved system updates with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Assist with routine testing of payroll and HR system updates.
• Report system issues and assist with troubleshooting efforts.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee service.
• Follow established payroll procedures and maintain process documentation.

Team Partnership

• Work closely with the Senior Payroll Manager to establish an effective division of responsibilities
• Support payroll activities during vacations, absences, and peak processing periods.
• Participate in team projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, managers, and employees.
• Participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

What you will need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll reconciliation and payroll reporting.
• Experience supporting employee benefits administration, including enrollments and payroll deductions.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll requirements.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and benefits administration systems; ADP experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently resolve routine and moderately complex payroll and benefits issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Strong customer service, communication, and relationship-management skills.

Salary Information:

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $$76,000 - $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information:

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy,are fueledby curiosity, and embrace thehard workthat leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work-life balance, and empower your desired career growth. HGA is anational award-winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering.

Learn more about ushere.