Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Responsibilities

• Payroll:
• Full ownership of bi-weekly payroll processing for 400+ multi-state employees via ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy of new hires, terminations, time & attendance, wage changes, deductions, garnishments, variable pay,and reimbursements.
• Manage monthly international payrolls across 6+ countries in partnership with global EOR/Entities
• Deliver accurate, timely reporting to The People Team, Accounting/Finance, and leadership teams, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Highly skilled in running these reports and manipulating in Microsoft Excel.
• Ensure SOX compliance and maintain complete payroll documentation (electronic and paper).
• Stay current on payroll laws, regulations, and tax filing requirements, ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.
• Provide training to managers on payroll and timekeeping processes, identifying and addressing wage/hour issues proactively.
• Lead all payroll activities related to equity events and trading windows, often requiring after-hours availability and running out of sequence payrolls
• Ownership and maintenance of accurate and complete payroll and personnel files including paper and electronic files via Dyna-file
• Partner with Recruiting Team on all on-boarding documentation activities including state and local customization of paperwork and facilitating employee on-boarding meetings
• Understanding of quarterly and annual tax filings and associated internal reporting
• Model the Waterworks Values


Benefits & Compensation:
• Lead administration of all employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, wellness, and ancillary benefits.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate health plan competitiveness, analyze survey data, and recommend enhancements.
• Management of benefits enrollment, renewal, and terminations processes
• Install approved new plans or changes to existing plans by preparing announcement materials, plan summary documents and other media for communicating plans to employees. Conduct employee meetings and arrange for enrollment.
• Counsel associates and managers on benefit plans, leave of absence processes, and 401(k) education.
• Partner with the 3rd party Leave Administrator to ensure accuracy of leave dates and payments, while supporting a smooth, compliant transition for associates entering and returning from leave.
• May be asked to partner with Finance and People Team leadership on compensation programs, including variable pay analysis and compliance.
• Monitor benefits regulations, trends, and compliance requirements, ensuring plans remain competitive and compliant.
• Other duties as assigned


Compliance & Confidentiality:
• Ensure all payroll, benefits, and compensation practices are compliant with SOX, federal, state, and international regulations. Participates in audits as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with all employee data and sensitive company information.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, or related field.
• 5–7+ years of payroll and benefits processing/leadership, including multi-state U.S. payroll; international payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of ADP Workforce Now and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of Employee Navigator or a similar benefits portal
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership, and deliver with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to educate, influence, and partner across levels.
• Proven success operating in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed during year-end and open trading windows.
• CEBS designation a plus