Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist

Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist Northville, MI Job Details Full-time 20 hours ago Benefits Profit sharing Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Affordable Care Act (ACA) Vendor relationship building Employee onboarding Defined contribution retirement plans Microsoft Excel Payroll tax Healthcare benefits management Benefits strategy management Vendor management 5 years Employment law Tax audits HR legal compliance Research Mid-level State tax Microsoft Office Bachelor's degree Data management Vendor relationship management Organizational skills SHRM Certified Professional Professional In Human Resources HRIS Regulatory audits Training Onboarding process management Ad-hoc reporting Certified Payroll Professional Leadership Implementing cost-saving initiatives Communication skills Loan processing Payroll processing Stakeholder relationship building Excel data analysis Full Job Description We are seeking a Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist to join the EPIC Fitness Group team. Epic Fitness Group operates 69 Planet Fitness franchise locations in Michigan, Northern Ohio and Illinois. As a member of the corporate staff, you will experience a very collaborative environment, working in our Northville office, at least 3 days per week, with our hybrid work schedule. Benefits include a 401(k) with generous employer match, profit sharing, medical, dental and vision insurance and a FREE Black Card membership to the clubs. About the Role The Benefits and Payroll Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team and serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for payroll taxes, benefits compliance, and employee inquiries. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver best-in-class HR operations, and is cross-trained to support multi-state payroll processing and 401(k) plan management. This individual will also contribute to special projects, auditing, reporting, and HR initiatives, on a regular basis. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Compliance Serve as backup to process payroll accurately and on schedule Partner with HR Systems and Payroll Specialist to drive HRIS enhancements and efficiencies Validate accuracy of all payrolls prior to submission Proactively manage multi-state payroll tax processing, including tax account setup, SUTA rate management, and timely upload of tax rate notices in HRIS Stay current on existing and new payroll tax legislation and changing laws Lead and perform audits of payroll and employment tax data Manage resolution of tax matters with HRIS, States, Localities, and Federal entities Monitor HRIS Tax Center for Notices and bring them to resolution Serve as the primary contact for all payroll tax matters Complete BLS monthly voluntary payroll reporting (including 12th-of-month) and quarterly multi-worksite wage reporting Monitor and report on employee hours and status on a bi-monthly basis Serve as backup for PTO loads and accruals; anticipated to take full ownership in the future Process PAFs including pay changes, status changes, promotions, demotions, and transfers 401(k) Plan Administration Serve as backup and validator to HR Systems and Payroll Specialist for the organization's 401(k) plan, including deferral and loan processing Benefits Administration Lead benefits administration including new hire enrollment and qualifying life events Manage all aspects of annual benefit open enrollment in conjunction with benefit broker and insurance carriers; assist with plan design and premium determinations Generate reports, conduct audits, and ensure accuracy of all benefits enrollments, eligibility, and carrier billing Lead benefits education and communications for all employees Manage COBRA, ACA, and benefits administration setup and maintenance within HRIS Complete ACA annual filings (1095-C and 1094-C) for applicable entities Manage ACA checklist and annual reporting requirements in Paycom Monitor part-time to full-time status transitions for benefits eligibility Review and respond to National Medical Support Order (NMSO) notices Manage employee benefits deductions and payment plans Oversee file feed setup through HRIS and conduct regular carrier discrepancy reporting Ensure compliance with ERISA requirements and maintain plan documentation Reconcile insurance invoices monthly and prepare Excel files for Accounting Create and manage data sets for benefits reporting and analysis Resolve employee questions by interpreting benefit policies and working with Benefits broker/administrator Ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act and other applicable state and federal benefit laws Strategy, Vendor Management & Employee Support Research and analyze internal/external data relating to benefit plan elements, including market trends and benchmarks Lead annual benefits strategy including renewals, vendor management, and cost optimization Develop and deliver clear, compelling communications for benefits and 401(k) programs Create training, communications, and process documents to promote knowledge of benefits and 401(k) plan Manage broker and vendor relationships as the primary liaison for benefits partners Serve as primary responder for the Ask Here employee HR inquiry platform Implement cost containment strategies and employee education on benefit plans Collaborate with the broader HR team on special projects, initiatives, and organizational priorities General Duties Support management in ad hoc reporting requests Audit completion of checklists and documents in HRIS and conduct follow up Serve as backup for HR Coordinator in setting up requisitions, I-9 processing, onboarding, and background checks Track Fitness Trainer certifications and follow up on completion and recertifications Partner with Accounting and Finance to support external audit compliance Manage projects, training, and activities related to payroll and employee benefits Provide prompt and courteous responses to all questions and requests for information Other duties and tasks as assigned Qualifications & Requirements Required 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll tax processing and compliance Strong working knowledge of ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and applicable federal/state employment laws Experience leading open enrollment, setup, and employee communications while managing Benefit Broker relationships Experience successfully managing 401(k) safe harbor plans, including audits and compliance Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR data reporting High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage competing deadlines Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex topics clearly and accessibly Ability to build trust, rapport, and credibility within the business Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with management, employees, and external parties Must be at least 18 years of age Ability to work independently in a time-sensitive, confidential environment Preferred Paycom HRIS experience (strongly preferred) Multi-state payroll processing experience (strongly preferred) Experience with file feed management and carrier integrations Familiarity with BLS reporting requirements PHR, SHRM-CP, Certified Payroll Professional, or equivalent HR/payroll certification Bachelor's Degree preferred EPIC Fitness Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.