Senior Payroll Specialist

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GLIDE in San Francisco is seeking a Benefits and Payroll Specialist to support employee benefits, onboarding and payroll operations. You will administer benefits programs, coordinate leave and disability processes, and assist with semi-monthly payroll for ~230 employees.

The role requires strong analytical skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar HRIS, with attention to compliance and accuracy in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience with payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave rules is required.
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now or similar HRIS is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, retirement, FSA, COBRA).
• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations accurately and timely.
• Support semi-monthly payroll processing for 230+ employees.
• Coordinate leave programs including FMLA, CFRA, PFL, and SFPPLO.
• Assist onboarding workflows and documentation in ADP Workforce Now.
• Ensure HR compliance and maintain payroll records with accuracy.

Skills

Payroll processing

Benefits administration

Leave administration

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

PHR certification a plus

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

HRIS systems

Job description

About Glide

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director, HR & Payroll, the Benefits and Payroll Specialist will play a critical role in supporting GLIDE's employee benefits, onboarding and payroll operations.

Key Qualities Needed for This Role

• You are detail-oriented, highly organized, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• You excel in benefits, numbers, analysis and payroll administration.
• You can successfully manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.

Primary Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Serve as a reliable resource and point of contact for all benefit-related employee questions regarding commuter benefits, FSA programs, 403(b) plans, EAP offerings, COBRA, disability benefits, and other employer-sponsored programs.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and educate employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment procedures, and qualifying life events. Establish system for checks and balances.
• Administer all employee benefit programs and resources (i.e. medical, dental, vision, retirement, COBRA, and ancillary benefits.
• Process benefit enrollments, terminations, waivers, and life event changes accurately and timely.
• Maintain and routinely audit benefit plan configurations and employee enrollment records within ADP Workforce Now and vendor systems. Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and administrative fees to ensure accurate payroll deductions and employer contributions.
• If needed, support implementation and internal coordination of OE process.

Payroll Administration

• Support to the Senior and Assistant Directors of HR and Payroll with wage coordination related to employee leave programs including FMLA, CFRA, Paid Family Leave (PFL), San Francisco Paid Parental Leave Ordinance (SFPPLO), and short-term and long-term disability programs.
• Track leave balances, entitlements, documentation, disability integrations, and benefit continuation requirements.
• Prepare and process leave-related payroll calculations, EDD documentation, disability paperwork, wage replacement coordination, and benefit continuation activities.
• Assist with the preparation and processing of semi-monthly payroll for approximately 230+ employees.
• Support the ADP onboarding activities related to creating ADP profiles and troubleshooting issues.
• Regularly review payroll data for accuracy, including employee deductions, union dues, benefit elections, tax withholding changes, and retirement plan contributions.
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, reporting, year-end payroll activities, and ongoing compliance reviews.
• Document payroll procedures and support cross-training efforts within the department.

Onboarding and HR Administration

• Facilitate, manage onboarding workflows within ADP Workforce Now and other HR systems.
• Coordinate onboarding documentation including I-9 verification, E-Verify, direct deposit setup, timekeeping procedures, policy acknowledgements, and employment documentation.
• When needed, initiate and monitor employment background checks and related onboarding activities.
• Support employee offboarding processes and related HR transactions.
• Stay current on federal, state, and local employment laws affecting payroll, benefits, leave administration, and HR compliance.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; PHR Certification a plus.
• Working knowledge of payroll processing, benefits administration, wage, and hour rules.
• Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, benefits and leave of absence administration; and providing baseline human resources support.
• 3+ years’ experience administering employee benefit programs and leave of absence programs.
• Direct experience managing the administration of FMLA, CFRA, COBRA, ADA, disability programs, workers' compensation, and California employment practices.
• Ability to handle sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism.
• Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, formulas, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Must be able to demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, time and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with ADP Workforce Now or similar HRIS/payroll systems strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to work on a computer and see details of objects at close range.
• Ability to hear within normal range and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, or through virtual meeting platforms.
• Finger dexterity and the ability to use standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit or stand comfortably and navigate throughout office spaces via elevator or stairs.

Work Environment

GLIDE’s buildings are located in the Tenderloin neighborhood.GLIDE maintains an "open door" policy to the community and its clients, who frequently enter and leave the building.