Payroll and Benefits Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Payroll & Benefits Specialist supports day-to-day payroll and benefits administration across multiple properties. This role focuses on execution, data accuracy, and follow-through, ensuring payroll and benefits processes run smoothly while supporting compliance and reporting needs. This position works closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors, handling administrative tasks so senior leadership can focus on strategy and complex analysis. WORK REQUIREMENTS: Key Responsibilities Support bi-weekly payroll processing in Workday, including data entry, audits, and pre-payroll validations Review timekeeping records for accuracy and ensure proper coding across departments, positions, and properties Follow up with managers to resolve missing time, incorrect entries, and late approvals before payroll close Assist with payroll adjustments including retro pay, meal/rest premiums, OT corrections, and reimbursements Help process off-cycle payrolls, term checks, and special payments with proper documentation Generate and review payroll reports to identify discrepancies and ensure payroll accuracy prior to finalization Validate earnings and deductions to ensure they align with company policies and system limitations Assist in maintaining accurate pay statements and support distribution of live checks and employee access in Workday Administer benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and eligibility updates in Workday Complete benefit reconciliations by the 15th of the following month, ensuring accuracy and timely submission for review and payment Process check requests and submit invoices for benefit payments within 5 days of receipt, ensuring accuracy and timely coordination with Finance Track leave of absence payments and follow up on benefit-related issues to ensure timely resolution and accurate processing Support Open Enrollment/New Hire Onboarding processes including setup, employee communication, and tracking submissions Review and track employee hours for ACA measurement, ensuring accurate eligibility status and supporting timely and accurate data updates to benefit carriers Respond to employee inquiries related to pay, deductions, benefits, and Workday navigation Assist with tracking 401K deferrals and employer match data and preparing reports for vendors or audits Maintain and audit 401K data including employee deferrals, loan repayments, and employer match to ensure accuracy and compliance per ERISA law Support data preparation for audits, year-end processing, and corrections such as W-2 or W-2C updates Maintain and organize payroll and benefits records, ensuring documentation is accurate and audit-ready Maintain and organize filing systems by accurately filing payroll, benefits, and employee personnel documents in both binders and employee files, ensuring records are complete and easily accessible Coordinate with vendors, payroll partners, and internal teams to follow up on routine requests and issues Run standard and ad hoc reports to support HR, Finance, and leadership data needs Escalate complex payroll or benefits issues while ensuring timely follow-through and resolution PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Regular travel between the corporate office and various hotel properties will be required. Candidates must have reliable transportation and possess a valid driver’s license. Ability to walk, stand and sit as required throughout the day. Ability to type 40 WPM. Must arrive to work well groomed, with pristine hygiene, and professional attire. MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly. Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately. Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations. Must be effective in handling complex problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary. Must be able to listen, understand, and transcribe issues raised by co-workers and guests. Must be able to work and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions. Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure. Note this is only outline of responsibilities and can be changed and updated at any time and without notice at the discretion of the direct supervisor or executive management team. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven work Solid Excel skills (basic formulas, data cleanup, reporting) Strong organizational and follow-up skills Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information High school diploma/4-year degree preferred. Hospitality experience preferred. 2 years’ experience as an payroll and/or benefits specialist preferred Experience in Workday preferred Supervisory experience preferred Bilingual (Spanish) preferred