Sr. Payroll & Compensation Specialist

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring timely, accurate processing of salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and deductions across multiple states.
• Maintain and update payroll systems, records, and employee data (new hires, terminations, pay changes, benefits).
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour regulations.
• Prepare, reconcile, and maintain payroll reports, general ledger entries, and monthly bank statements.
• Serve as a primary resource for payroll and benefits inquiries, providing guidance to employees and management.
• Support audits by supplying accurate records and documentation.
• Partner with HR leadership to review, improve, and implement payroll systems, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate on benefits and leave administration, ensuring adherence to legal and contractual requirements.
• Contribute to HR reporting and analytics by providing accurate payroll and benefits data.

• Support the development and administration of the company’s compensation policies and programs.
• Conduct job analysis to evaluate responsibilities and requirements for equitable pay practices.
• Research and benchmark compensation practices using salary surveys and market data to ensure competitiveness.
• Contribute company data to salary surveys and analyze results to identify trends and gaps.
• Provide recommendations for pay structures, incentive plans, and program enhancements based on market analysis.
• Assist in creating and maintaining salary structures and compensation guidelines.
• Monitor compensation programs for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Stay informed on emerging compensation trends and provide insights to help shape future strategy.

• Provide backup support for the administration of employee insurance programs (health, life, disability) and retirement plans, including the 401(k).
• Assist with ensuring accurate and timely delivery of employer contributions and employee payroll deductions to carriers and plan administrators.
• Support benefits-related communications, including employee questions on eligibility, coverage, and plan changes.
• Assist with maintaining benefits records, reporting, and compliance documentation as required by federal, state, and provider regulations.
• Provide backup support for leave administration (FMLA, ADA, and other company leave programs), partnering with the HR team on accommodations and compliance.
• Assist with audits, vendor communications, and benefits invoicing as needed.
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in benefits and compensation to support HR strategy.
• Contribute to HR reporting by providing accurate data related to benefits and leave programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Extensive knowledge of payroll functions, including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Extensive knowledge of benefits administration.
• Knowledge of Compensation programs.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Analytical ability to resolve employee payroll problems by reviewing records and reports, identifying errors, and correcting errors.
• Continuously seeking opportunities to improve the automation of the payroll and reporting processes.
• High attention to detail and ability to guard highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong partnership and collaborative style with outstanding communication skills: written, verbal, and presentation.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, challenging environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Handle highly sensitive and confidential information professionally and discreetly.
• Abide by the policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct of the company.
• Proficient with payroll software.

• 10+ years in payroll, benefits and compensation administration experience or related business experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a combination of education and relevant business experience required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Applicable HR Certifications preferred.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including video conferencing.

Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance