Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Overview:

Desmone is an architecture and interior design firm with offices in Pittsburgh, Morgantown, and Cleveland. Our people-first culture is rooted in health, wellness, and the individual goals of our team members. We are seeking a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to help us continue building a workplace where people thrive—physically, emotionally, and professionally. This role will serve as the administrator of payroll processing and employee benefits programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective execution of all related functions. Responsible for maintaining payroll records, managing benefits enrollment and administration, and supporting regulatory compliance while safeguarding confidential employee information. Collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure seamless operations and a consistent employee experience

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration Process bi-weekly/semi-monthly payroll for employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness Maintain payroll records, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and adjustments Review and validate timesheets, pay changes, and new hire data Calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, and commissions as needed Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and reports (e.g., W-2s, 941s) Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly Coordinate with HR and Finance teams to ensure data accuracy Benefits Administration Administer employee benefits programs (health, dental, vision, retirement, etc.) Manage employee enrollments, changes, and terminations in benefits systems Serve as a point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and issue resolution Coordinate with benefits vendors and brokers to ensure smooth operations Assist with open enrollment processes and communications Ensure compliance with applicable laws (e.g., ACA, COBRA, ERISA) Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation Compliance & Reporting Stay current with payroll and benefits regulations and best practices Prepare reports for management on payroll and benefits metrics Support audits related to payroll and benefits Ensure data confidentiality and maintain secure record-keeping practices

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or related field. 3-5+ years of payroll and benefits administration experience Strong knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex, UKG, or similar) Familiarity with benefits administration platforms and vendor coordination Working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws High level of accuracy and attention to detail Strong organizational and time management skills Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS systems

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or related certification Experience in multi-state payroll processing Familiarity with HRIS integrations and reporting tools

Work Schedule & Environment:

Part-time position (approximately 15-25 hours per week; flexible schedule may be available) Option for remote or hybrid work, depending on company needs Occasional increased hours during payroll cycles or open enrollment periods Will consider full-time position with the right candidate, which may include increased responsibilities and role.

Pay:

$28.00 - $33.00 per hour

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Pittsburgh, PA 15201