Payroll & Benefits Coordinator

Our client, a top regional law firm, is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Coordinator (hybrid 3 days onsite) to join its New Jersey office. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and administration of employee benefits, while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Manage end-to-end payroll and benefits processing in ADP Workforce Now, including data imports, audits, and reconciliations.
• Verify timecards, hours worked, overtime, and leave accruals.
• Review and validate payroll data to ensure accuracy prior to processing.
• Administer employee benefits, including new enrollments, changes, and ongoing support.
• Provide benefits counseling and support to employees.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure payroll and benefits practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Process and maintain garnishments, deductions, and wage assignments.
• Assist with quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and reconciliations.
• Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and audits.

Employee Support

• Respond to employee payroll and benefits inquiries clearly and professionally.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee data.
• Support new hire onboarding related to payroll, benefits, and timekeeping systems.

Systems & Financial Coordination

• Maintain accurate payroll records, employee changes, and system updates.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and collaborate with Finance on general ledger postings.
• Partner with HR and IT to resolve system issues and support payroll enhancements.
• Review monthly premium statements for medical, life, and other benefit plans.
• Maintain relationships with insurance carriers and brokers to resolve issues and ensure accurate enrollments.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Working knowledge of ADP Workforce Now payroll and benefits solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data entry, formatting, and validation.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour compliance.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.

Preferred

• Experience with multi-state payroll.
• Understanding of general ledger accounting.
• Payroll certification (FPC or CPP).
• Prior law firm or professional services experience.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Clear, professional communication and strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.