Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Accounting Specialist | Full-Time | On-Site Schedule: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Compensation: $25.00–$28.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Make the Details Matter

Payroll and benefits directly impact employees and their confidence in the organization. We are seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist who values accuracy, confidentiality, deadlines, and process improvement. This role is responsible for processing multi-state payroll (Michigan and Illinois) and coordinating employee benefits administration while supporting both Accounting and Human Resources.

In addition to payroll and benefits, this position provides broader accounting exposure, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, cash applications, reconciliations, expenses, and inventory transactions.

What You’ll Own

Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Process accurate and timely payroll for employees in Michigan and Illinois

• Review timekeeping, earnings, overtime, PTO, deductions, taxes, reimbursements, and related payroll transactions

• Process new hires, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, and employee updates

• Maintain accurate payroll, tax, direct deposit, and employee records

• Reconcile payroll activity, deductions, benefit invoices, and related accounts

• Coordinate benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and open enrollment with HR

• Support payroll tax reporting and quarter-end/year-end activities

• Respond to employee payroll and routine benefit questions with professionalism and confidentiality

• Maintain awareness of Michigan and Illinois payroll requirements and escalate compliance questions appropriately

Employee & HR Partnership

• Partner with HR to coordinate payroll and benefit onboarding

• Participate in new-hire orientation and explain payroll schedules, benefit enrollment, and related processes

• Ensure payroll and benefit changes flow accurately between HR, Accounting, payroll providers, and benefit providers

• Support an employee experience that is organized, responsive, and easy to navigate

Accounting Support

• Support AP, AR, invoicing, cash applications, expenses, and routine accounting transactions

• Complete assigned account reconciliations and inventory transactions

• Research discrepancies and assist with resolving accounting issues

• Support month-end activities and other Accounting priorities

• Cross-train across accounting functions to strengthen skills and provide team coverage

What We’re Looking For

You may be a strong fit if you have:

• Previous payroll, benefits, accounting, bookkeeping, or related experience

• Multi-state payroll experience preferred

• Working knowledge of payroll processing, deductions, payroll taxes, and recordkeeping

• Basic accounting and reconciliation knowledge

• Experience with payroll, HRIS, accounting, or ERP systems

• Strong Excel and technology skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and organization

• Ability to manage recurring, time-sensitive deadlines

• Strong problem-solving and follow-through

• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential employee and financial information

• A genuine desire to support employees and teammates

• An associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience)