Payroll & HR Specialist

Position Title: Payroll & HR Specialist Department: Human Resources / Finance Reports To: Vice President of Finance FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Corporate office Ronkonkoma, NY

Serving multi state locations, approximately 100 FTE

Salary range: $65,000 - $90,000, plus benefits, Health, vision, dental, FSA/DCRA/HAS, Company paid Life insurance and 401k

Position Summary

The Payroll & HR Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and supporting a range of human resources functions. This role serves as a key point of contact for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and policy questions, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process multi-state payroll for all employees.
• Validate timesheets, hours worked, PTO, overtime, and pay adjustments.
• Calculate and reconcile payroll deductions, garnishments, bonuses, and commissions.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws.
• Maintain payroll records, reports, and year-end tasks including W-2 and 1095 processing.
• Partner with Finance to support month-end close, payroll journal entries, and audits.
• Coordinate with vendors, iSolve, mp-hr

HR Administration

• Maintain accurate employee files, onboarding records, and HRIS data.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding, including new-hire setup, orientations, and exit processing.
• Administer benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, and FSA/HSA plans.
• Process enrollments, terminations, changes, and assist with open enrollment preparation.
• Support employee relations by answering questions related to pay, benefits, policies, and HR procedures.
• Assist with performance review cycles, training initiatives, and compliance documentation.
• Monitor and track leaves of absence (FMLA, disability, state leaves).

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure HR and payroll practices follow federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain I-9 documentation and perform periodic audits.
• Prepare reports for auditors, management, and regulatory agencies.
• Support implementation of new HR policies, processes, and system improvements.
• Participate in HR projects, policy updates, and process improvements.
• Support employee engagement programs and HR communications.

Performance Management

• Assist with performance review cycles and documentation.
• Track probationary periods, goals, and employee development plans.

Training & Development

• Coordinate training sessions, track participation, and support employee development initiatives.
• Maintain training records and compliance certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in HR, Accounting, Business, or related field (preferred).
• 2-5 years of experience in payroll processing and/or HR administration.
• Strong understanding of wage & hour laws, payroll taxes, and benefits compliance.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems. (iSolve, mp-hr)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data entry accuracy.
• Excellent communication, confidentiality, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.