Strategic Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Essential Employment Services, LLC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Employment Services, LLC is seeking a Benefits & Payroll Specialist to administer employee benefits and oversee payroll across multiple states. You will support enrollment, handle payroll inquiries, and work with HR, finance, and vendors to keep accurate records and timely payroll processing.

The role emphasizes accuracy, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and optimize processes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in benefits administration and payroll processing.
• Experience supporting employees across multiple states.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll, wage and hour, payroll tax, and benefits regulations.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
• HR or benefits certification preferred (SHRM, PHR, CPP, CEBS).

Responsibilities

• Administer benefits programs across medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), FSA/HSA, and voluntary benefits.
• Manage new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and terminations.
• Process and support payroll activities, including reviewing timecards, verifying pay data, and ensuring timely payments.
• Review and reconcile payroll deductions, benefit contributions, and employee records for accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, wage and hour, and payroll tax regulations.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits and payroll records in HRIS and payroll systems.
• Serve as primary contact for employee questions regarding benefits, payroll, deductions, and pay discrepancies.
• Collaborate with HR, finance, brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to resolve issues.
• Audit payroll reports, benefits invoices, deductions, and data to identify discrepancies.
• Support payroll tax reporting, year-end processing, and required employee notices and documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and benefits data.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits processes and internal controls.

Skills

Benefits administration

Payroll processing

Compliance knowledge

HRIS experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

HR certification (SHRM/PHR/CPP/CEBS)

Tools

HRIS software

Payroll software

Benefits administration systems

Job description

Essential Employment Services, LLC is seeking a Benefits & Payroll Specialist to administer employee benefits and oversee payroll across multiple states. You will support enrollment, handle payroll inquiries, and work with HR, finance, and vendors to keep accurate records and timely payroll processing.

The role emphasizes accuracy, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and optimize processes.