Job Description

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Location: West St. Paul, MN

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Department: Finance

Reports To: VP of Operations

Join Our Team

Thomas Allen is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to manage payroll operations and employee benefit programs for our growing workforce. This role serves as a key resource for employees, managers, and leadership by ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time while delivering exceptional support for benefits administration, compliance, and employee education.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, customer-focused, and experienced with UKG Pro/UKG Ready (formerly UltiPro/Kronos).

What You'll Do

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely for a multi-location workforce in the state of Minnesota.
• Audit payroll data including timesheets, attendance records, benefit deductions, wage changes, and overtime calculations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Prepare payroll tax filings, reports, and reconciliations.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing.
• Respond to payroll-related employee and manager inquiries.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with legal requirements.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee health, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Manage benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Lead annual open enrollment activities and employee communications.
• Serve as a resource to employees regarding benefit eligibility, coverage, and plan provisions.
• Coordinate with benefit vendors and brokers to resolve issues and maintain accurate records.
• Administer retirement plans, including 401(k) enrollments, contributions, and compliance reporting.

Compliance & HR Support

• Ensure compliance with COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable employment laws.
• Monitor and maintain benefit and payroll audits.
• Assist with leaves of absence and benefit continuation processes.
• Generate reports and analyze payroll and benefits data for leadership.
• Support continuous improvement efforts, process enhancements, and system optimization within UKG.
• Partner with HR and Finance teams on special projects and organizational initiatives.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll and benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing payroll for medium-to-large organizations.
• Hands-on experience with UKG Pro, UKG Ready, Kronos, or UltiPro.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, taxes, and employee benefits administration.
• Experience with 401(k) administration and benefits compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience within healthcare, human services, or social services.
• Experience with HRIS reporting and analytics.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

If you're a payroll and benefits professional who thrives on accuracy, compliance, and helping employees navigate important programs, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Thomas Allen and help support the people who support our mission.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and depth of UKG expertise.