Senior Payroll & Benefits SpecialistLocation: Wood Dale, IL (Hybrid) Department: Human Resources Reports To: Manager, Payroll & BenefitsAbout OptimasOptimas is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions and engineering support, delivering fasteners, components, industrial, and safety supplies to customers worldwide. Our local, on-the-ground teams understand the nuances of every community we serve, allowing us to adapt and provide highly personalized service and support across the globe. To learn more, visit: http://www.optimas.com/The Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for leading the day-to-day execution, accuracy, and compliance of payroll and benefits administration for U.S.-based employees. This role owns multi-state payroll processing, benefits operations, and leave of absence administration, ensuring all activities are executed in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.This position serves as a key partner to the Manager, Payroll & Benefits, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and process integrity. The Senior Specialist acts as a subject matter expert, proactively identifying risks, driving process improvements, and supporting strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for a high-performing professional who demonstrates ownership, sound judgment, and readiness to evolve into a leadership role. Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Leadership & Execution
Lead full-cycle bi-weekly and weekly multi-state payroll processing for U.S. employees
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, taxes, garnishments, deductions, and adjustments in compliance with all applicable laws
Perform advanced payroll reviews, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues prior to finalization
Process complex and off-cycle payments including terminations, bonuses, commissions, and equity-related transactions
Maintain payroll records to ensure audit readiness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance
Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and external providers to ensure data integrity and alignment
Support payroll reconciliations including general ledger tie-outs, quarterly filings, and year-end processes (W-2)
Participate in payroll system enhancements, implementations, testing, and continuous improvement efforts
Benefits Administration & Oversight
Administer and optimize day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability, and voluntary benefits)
Act as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues and employee inquiries
Ensure accurate and timely processing of enrollments, life events, and terminations across HRIS and vendor systems
Partner with brokers and vendors to manage service delivery, resolve escalated issues, and maintain data integrity
Lead operational execution of open enrollment, including system validation, reconciliation, and employee support
Leave of Absence & Compliance Management
Administer and oversee leave programs including FMLA, ADA, disability, and multi-state/local leave laws
Ensure compliance with evolving federal, state, and local regulations; escalate risks or gaps proactively
Coordinate with employees, leadership, HR, and third-party administrators to manage cases end-to-end
Maintain accurate tracking, documentation, and payroll integration for all leave activity
Serve as a subject matter expert on leave compliance and best practices
Wellness& Employee Experience
Lead and support employee wellness initiatives with a focus on engagement and participation
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend enhancements
Contribute to initiatives that improve overall employee experience related to benefits
Vendor Management & Financial Oversight
Review, audit, and approve benefits-related invoices for accuracy and alignment with enrollments
Partner with Finance to ensure timely processing and reconciliation
Liaise with vendors to resolve discrepancies and improve service performance
Process Improvement & Optimization
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, accuracy, and compliance
Drive standardization and documentation of workflows and SOPs
Support system optimization initiatives and automation opportunities
Recommend best practices aligned with industry standards
Compliance, Reporting & Audit Partnership
Partner closely with the Manager, Payroll & Benefits on compliance strategy, audit readiness, and risk mitigation
Generate, analyze, and validate payroll and benefits reports to ensure accuracy and compliance
Support key regulatory filings and requirements (ACA, 401(k), payroll tax filings, audits, etc.)
Maintain documentation aligned with federal, state, and local regulations
Prepare materials and actively support internal and external audits, including responding to audit requests
Stay current on regulatory changes and recommend process or policy adjustments
Qualifications
5+ years of progressive experience processing multi-state payroll
5+ years administering employee benefits programs in a complex environment
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll and benefits regulations
Experience supporting compliance, audits, and regulatory reporting
Proven ability to identify and implement process improvements
High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with UKG (UltiPro) or similar HRIS/payroll systems
Exposure to payroll reconciliations, audits, and compliance reporting
Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
Key Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Effective communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization
Organized, self-directed, and able to prioritize workload while meeting deadlines
What Success Looks Like
Payroll is processed accurately and on time with minimal corrections
Benefits and leave processes run smoothly and compliantly
Employees receive timely, accurate support for payroll and benefits inquiries
Data is clean, audit-ready, and supports compliance requirements
Opportunities for process improvement are identified and implemented
About Optimas Solutions
Optimas is a global manufacturer/distributor and service provider of fastening and supply chain solutions for manufactures seeking to improve their efficiency and profitability.