Payroll & Benefits Specialist
On behalf We are seeking a leading industrial organization in the Baton Rouge area, we are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Payroll & Benefits Specialist to oversee salaried payroll operations, manage the 401(k) plan, and support HR compliance and recruiting workflows. This role requires a high degree of discretion, strong accounting aptitude, and the ability to maintain steady focus in a dynamic environment with frequent daily interruptions. The ideal candidate will combine precise task execution with excellent time management to ensure payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and seamless benefit administration.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration
- Process semimonthly payrolls accurately and on schedule for salaried employees.
- Manage monthly and quarterly payroll processing items.
- Handle specialized payroll procedures, including certified payrolls.
- Ensure correct withholdings for 401(k) deferrals and loan deductions.
- Prepare files for dead inventory, generic earnings, and additional payroll processing items.
- Facilitate adherence to the overall payroll budget process.
- Research and process Louisiana tax incentives and other specific town/parish incentives.
Benefits & 401(k) Operations
- Administer day-to-day and annual operations for the company 401(k) plan, including entering employee updates/changes into the HRIS.
- Oversee 401(k) plan operations and compliance audits.
- Responsible for the preparation and submission of Form 5500 for both 401(k) and cafeteria plans.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date payroll and benefit records.
Compliance & HR Support
- Support the recruiting process through the review and approval of offer letters.
- Ensure compliance with FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) requirements.
- Prepare and submit EEO-1 compliance reporting.
- Report, maintain, and monitor all workers’ compensation case files.
- Coordinate and lead the annual workers’ compensation audit.
Core Competencies & Workplace Expectations
- Focus & Resilience: Ability to maintain steady work habits and consistent focus despite multiple daily interruptions.
- Confidentiality & Discretion: Demonstrates sound judgment and strict discretion to protect sensitive employee and financial data.
- Professionalism: Interacts with customers, vendors, and team members at all levels in a professional, respectful, and business-like manner.
- Time Management: Exceptional ability to prioritize workload and meet strict operational deadlines under pressure.
- Reliability: Consistent, regular, and predictable attendance is essential for success in this role.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience:
- 4 years of direct payroll processing experience
- 2 years of employee benefits experience
- Skills: Strong accounting aptitude and numerical accuracy
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
- Systems: Hands-on experience updating and maintaining employee data in an HRIS
