The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and administration of employee benefits for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. As a member of the Finance team, this position plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy, financial controls, reconciliations, employee data integrity, and compliance. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist works closely with Finance, Human Resources, supervisors, and employees to ensure payroll and benefit transactions are accurately recorded and processed. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines within a workforce that includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in payroll, accounting, benefits administration, or a related function preferred.
• Experience processing payroll for a multi-department or multi-location organization preferred.
• Knowledge of SGA, Paylocity, or other HRIS, payroll, and accounting software preferred.
• Understanding of payroll accounting, general ledger reconciliation, and payroll-related financial controls preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, timekeeping, deductions, employee benefits, and applicable wage and hour requirements.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and comfort working with large amounts of employee and financial data.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, research issues, and follow them through resolution.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet recurring deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and financial information.
• Experience supporting a workforce that includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Strong numerical, analytical, and reconciliation skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Understanding of the relationship between payroll transactions and financial reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple recurring deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
• Ability to recognize discrepancies and independently research potential causes.
• Strong technology skills and willingness to learn new systems.
• Ability to communicate payroll and benefit information clearly to employees and supervisors.
• Strong collaboration skills, particularly when working across Finance and Human Resources.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Commitment to continuous process improvement and strong internal controls.
• Commitment to the YMCA's mission and values.