Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Make an impact where accuracy, service, and people intersect. 

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and service‑driven Payroll & Benefits Specialist to play a key role in delivering accurate payroll, seamless benefits administration, and outstanding support to our employees. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working behind the scenes to ensure employees are paid correctly, benefits run smoothly, and systems work effectively—every time. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with Finance, HR Business Partners, vendors, and employees while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, compliance, and customer service.

Location: Working 3 days a week in our Portland office is required. 

What You’ll Do:

Payroll Administration

• Process accurate and timely biweekly payroll for all employees and quarterly compensation for Board members
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and tax regulations
• Partner with Finance and HR to maintain accurate employee payroll and benefit data
• Respond to payroll‑related inquiries with professionalism and precision
• Complete wage verifications and support external payroll‑related requests
• Assist with payroll audits and tax/setup accuracy reviews

Benefits Administration

• Facilitate benefit orientations and conduct 1:1 benefit election meetings
• Support employee self‑service enrollment and respond to routine benefit questions
• Manage benefit enrollments with third‑party vendors and ensure timely updates
• Administer qualifying life events, benefit terminations, and COBRA processes
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies
• Process quarterly wellness reimbursements and maintain required documentation

Compliance & Reporting Support

• Assist with ACA reporting and related compliance audits
• Partner with HR Business Partners on leave administration and payroll coordination
• Conduct data audits and prepare payroll and benefit reports as requested
• Support system administration by running reports, assisting with system updates, and coordinating with vendors to ensure optimal system performance

Engagement & Wellness

• Support annual benefits education and wellness programming in partnership with the Total Rewards Specialist
• Serve on the Wellness Council, helping connect benefit offerings to employee needs
• Play a key role in Annual Enrollment, including system testing, reporting, and employee support

What You'll Bring:

• 3+ years of payroll experience; some benefits experience strongly preferred
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience with HR platforms (UKG or similar preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Self‑motivated, proactive, organized, and accountable
• FPC or CPP certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)