Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Description Neal Communities is proud to be recognized as the 2025 Top Workplace in Sarasota & Manatee Counties! Where you work matters! We are a family company, we love what we do, and it shows!We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven individual to join our team as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist in Sarasota. In this role, you will be responsible for accurately processing payroll, administering employee benefits programs, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and prior experience managing payroll systems and employee benefits in a fast-paced environment.This is an on-site position. Local candidates only, please!WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT NEAL COMMUNITIES:The People! We take tremendous pride in making a positive difference in our team's lives. Our employees are not just an asset to Neal Communities and its customers; they are essential to the success of our businessOutstanding Benefits - Health Care - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug CoverageExcellent Compensation PackageEmployer Paid Life InsuranceSupplemental InsuranceLong & Short-Term Disability Insurance401(K) with Company Matching ContributionsPTO & Paid HolidaysEmployer Paid ID Theft ProtectionEmployee Home Purchase Discount ProgramTuition Reimbursement ProgramEmployee Wellness ProgramEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Pet InsuranceEmployee Service AwardsVendor Discount ProgramWHAT YOU'LL DO:Payroll / Reporting / HRIS / AnalyticsProcess and audit bi-weekly payroll utilizing HRIS software, ensuring accuracy of earnings, deductions, and employee dataEnsure payroll processing complies with applicable federal, state, and company requirements, including wage and hour rules, deductions, and reportingReview, reconcile, and validate payroll data prior to processing, including timekeeping, PTO, benefit deductions, and compensation changesMaintain payroll, HRIS, and employee data records; perform reconciliations and ensure accuracy of employee status, compensation, benefits, and reporting fieldsGenerate payroll, benefits, compensation, census, and headcount reports as needed to support HR, Accounting, and leadershipMaintain primary responsibility for HRIS data integrity, payroll setup, benefit deductions, and reporting accuracyCreate and maintain complex spreadsheets, logs, and tracking tools used for payroll, benefits, compensation, and reportingAnalyze payroll, benefit, and HRIS data to identify discrepancies, trends, and reporting needs, and support audits, reporting, and business decisionsProcess employment verifications, unemployment claims, and related documentationEnsure accurate processing of final pay, adjustments, and special payroll transactionsSupport internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and HR recordsRespond to employee and manager questions related to payroll, benefits, and HRIS in a timely and professional mannerCompliancePrepare and support annual and periodic reporting including 1095, 5500, EEO-1, workers compensation, unemployment, and other required filingsAssist with benefits census reporting and 401(k) data submissionsAdminister and track employee leave programs, including FMLA and other protected leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws; coordinate documentation with the HR Coordinator, with final determinations made in consultation with the CHROServe as primary HR contact for payroll, HRIS, benefits, and leave-related compliance; maintain required records and lead preparation for internal and external auditsEnsure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and company requirements related to payroll, benefits, leave, and employee dataMaintain data required for ACA tracking and reporting, including eligibility and measurement periodsCollaborate with the CHRO on HR initiatives, reporting, and compliance mattersBenefits AdministrationAdminister employee benefit programs, in coordination with the HR Coordinator for documentation and employee support, including enrollments, changes, reporting, invoice reconciliation, and renewal supportWork with brokers, carriers, and HRIS to maintain accurate benefit records and payroll deductionsLead the annual open enrollment process in coordination with the benefits broker, including planning, communication, system configuration, and reportingCoordinate with the benefits broker to organize annual benefits meetings, health fair, and related employee benefit initiativesHR SystemsMaintain HRIS (UKG preferred), including employee records, payroll setup, reporting, and system data integrityCreate reports and data exports from HRIS for payroll, accounting, and management useTroubleshoot HRIS issues and coordinate with system support as neededEnsure data accuracy across payroll, benefits, and HRIS systemsBillingReview and verify payroll and benefit-related billings; assist with journal entries, reconciliations, and related reportingMaintain tracking spreadsheets related to compensation, benefits, and employee dataGeneralConsult with the CHRO on complex payroll, leave, compliance, or employee data matters; maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive informationCoordinate workflow with the HR Coordinator to ensure accurate onboarding, employee data updates, payroll, benefits, and reportingSupport HR initiatives, reporting projects, and process improvements as assignedAll employees will support the organization's mission and vision by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration and innovation, respect, commitment to the community, accountability and ownership.WHAT YOU BRING:3–5 years experience in payroll, HRIS, benefits, or related analytical HR/finance role requiredStrong analytical ability and attention to detail requiredAdvanced Excel skills required, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysisExperience with HRIS / payroll systems required (UKG preferred)Experience with payroll processing, reporting, or reconciliations strongly preferredExperience supporting audits, reporting, or compliance filings preferredAbility to work with confidential data and meet strict deadlinesStrong organizational and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environmentPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:General sedentary work requiring the use of office equipment such as computers, copiers, printers, scanners and telephonesPosition requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, grasping, writing, typing, repetitive motions, hearing ability, visual acuity, and climbing stairs on occasionMay occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 poundsNeal Communities and its affiliated entities work with a limited group of approved recruiting partners under a signed agreement. We do not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate referrals, or inquiries from other third-party agencies. Any resumes submitted without a current, signed recruiting agreement in place will be treated as direct applications, and Neal Communities and its affiliates will not pay any associated fees.This policy applies to all job postings across NealCareers.com and any other platforms where Neal Communities or its affiliated companies advertise open positions.We are an Equal Opportunity and a Drug-Free Workplace Employer.