Payroll System Specialist Jobs in Rome, GA (NOW HIRING)

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to oversee the full-cycle administration of payroll and employee benefits for a growing, multi-state workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining employee records within the HRIS, administering employee benefits, coordinating leave programs, and providing exceptional service to employees while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and company regulations.

This is a newly created position supporting a growing manufacturing operation with more than 200 employees. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist will play a critical role in supporting the organization's expanding workforce through accurate payroll administration, benefits coordination, HR administration, and continuous process improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll for hourly employees and semi-monthly payroll for salaried employees.
• Manage the full payroll cycle, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on schedule.
• Review, audit, and resolve timekeeping, attendance, and payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Process employee status changes, including new hires, promotions, transfers, compensation changes, and terminations.
• Prepare and maintain payroll reports and respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees, management, and external parties.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding pay-related questions and issues.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll, compensation, and employee information.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, COBRA, and other company-sponsored benefits.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities in partnership with the benefits broker and company management.
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and benefit terminations.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and assist with researching and resolving discrepancies.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions, education, and support.
• Prepare and submit 401(k) data for each payroll cycle.
• Assist with 401(k) administration, audits, and related compliance activities.

HR Administration

• Complete new hire onboarding documentation and ensure accurate HRIS data entry.
• Process employee terminations, including separation notices and required documentation.
• Administer leave of absence programs, including PTO, sick leave, parental leave, paid and unpaid leave, and other applicable programs, in accordance with company policy and applicable laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel, payroll, and benefits records.
• Ensure HRIS information remains accurate, complete, and up to date.
• Assist with HR audits and maintain required compliance documentation.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and the overall employee experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing environment.
• Experience processing Georgia payroll.
• Experience administering employee benefits and coordinating annual Open Enrollment.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll regulations, FMLA, COBRA, and other applicable employment laws.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems; experience with Paylocity is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a rapidly growing organization.
• Experience working in a start-up or newly established business environment.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.