Payroll/Benefits Specialist

Job Title: Payroll/Benefits Specialist 
Department: Finance  
Status: Full-Time, Non exempt 
Salary Range: $45,346-$51,243 

General Statement of Duties 

The Payroll/Benefits Specialist provides essential support to daily human resource operations and serves as a primary point of contact for employees and supervisors. This position assists with recruitment, onboarding, record maintenance, benefits administration, and employee relations activities. The Payroll/Benefits Specialist ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll and human resource transactions, supports compliance with employment laws and City codes ordinance and administrative policies, and helps coordinate training, performance management, and leave programs. The role requires strong attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information while delivering consistent and reliable service to employees. 

Work is performed in accordance with the City’s adopted codes, ordinances, and administrative policies and under the direction of the Director of Finance. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Process weekly/biweekly payroll by collecting and verifying timekeeping data  
• Enter, update, and maintain employee payroll records in the payroll system  
• Review timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with City policies  
• Prepare payroll reports and distribute pay statements  
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve employee payroll inquiries  
• Assist with new hire setup, terminations, and changes to employee compensation  
• Process wage garnishments, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions  
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll information at all times 
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations  
• File payroll documents and maintain organized payroll records  
• Prepare and submit Federal, State, and Unemployment reports and payments  
• Support year-end tasks including W-2 processing and reporting  
• Prepare documents for audits and respond to auditor requests  
• Assist with recruitment activities including posting jobs, screening applicants, scheduling interviews, and preparing offer letters  
• Respond to requests for employee verifications or other applicable requests  
• Assist with processing changes related to promotions, transfers, compensation updates, and status changes  
• Support benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, and employee questions 
• Assist with preparing documentation for compliance reviews  
• Administer leave programs such as FMLA, ADA, and workers’ compensation under guidance of the Director of Finance  
• Ensure Human Resource forms, templates, and policies are updated and consistently used  
• Assist with annual Human Resource activities such as open enrollment and year‑end reporting  
• Maintain and update employee personnel files  
• Assist with the administration of the City’s property/liability/workers’ compensation insurance programs 

Minimum Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED required; 
• 3–5 years of progressive experience, preferably in government. 
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate clearly and courteously with the public, contractors, and employees. 
• Proficiency with computers and standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, email) 
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information. 
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. 

 Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements 

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment at the public counter and over the phone. 
• Position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and light lifting of files and plan sets. 
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment (computer, printer, copier, scanner, telephone).