Job Description

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for owning and administering the organization’s payroll and employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing. Reporting to the VP of Finance & IT and working closely with People & Culture (P&C), this role plays a key part in supporting Kripalu employees. This role also directly supports functions in Finance. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented, systems-savvy, and committed to delivering exceptional employee experience.

 

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

· Own the day-to-day operation of the organization’s payroll system (Paycom), ensuring accurate and timely processing for exempt and non-exempt employees.

· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and tax laws.

· Maintain payroll records, conduct regular audits, and resolve discrepancies.

· Respond to payroll-related inquiries with clarity and professionalism.

· Partner with Finance to support accurate payroll allocations, journal entries, and reconciliations.

· Support year-end payroll processes, including W-2s and related reporting.

Benefits Administration

· With the oversight of the People & Culture Director, administer employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b), PTO, COBRA, and wellness initiatives.

· Assist with open enrollment, benefits education, and vendor communication.

· Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and ensure timely data updates in systems and with providers.

· Support compliance reporting such as ACA filings and 5500 preparation.

· Maintain confidentiality and data accuracy across all employee benefit records.

Cross-Functional Support

· Collaborate with the P&C team to support onboarding/offboarding, leaves of absence, and other employee lifecycle activities.

· Assist the Finance team with reconciliations, audits, and ad hoc reporting related to payroll, benefits, and headcount.

· Own the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of Paycom modules related to payroll and benefits.

· Utilize Avid (AvidXchange) to assist with accounts payable processes, employee reimbursements, and finance documentation as needed.

· Assist the Finance team in other duties as assigned.

· Help document and improve standard operating procedures across payroll, benefits, and cross-functional workflows.

Required:

· 3–5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration.

· Experience owning or managing payroll systems; Paycom experience strongly preferred.

· Strong understanding of payroll regulations and employee benefits compliance.

· High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to handle confidential information.

· Proficient with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft systems.

· Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Preferred:

· Experience working cross-functionally with HR and Finance teams.

· Familiarity with AvidXchange (Avid) or similar accounts payable systems.

· Understanding of basic accounting principles and payroll-related journal entries.

· CPP, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification a plus.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates in a professional office environment. Typical hours are Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with required flexibility during peak payroll or benefits periods.

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