Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Minneapolis, MN

What began as an idea between two brothers to open a Mexican restaurant has since grown into one of the largest, privately held Taco Bell franchisees in America. At Border Foods, we work with a people-first mantra. From cooks to cashiers to restaurant managers and beyond, we work together to bring to life the Core Values of Border Foods. Welcome to our family where you will continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission of making lives better.

As an employee your mission is to reinforce the Border Foods CORE values, to include Accountability, Integrity, Family, Excellence, Teamwork, and Empowerment.

At Border Foods, we will unlock the full potential of our employees and guest's restaurant experience by creating safe welcoming and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

Position Summary:

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a key role in ensuring accurate payroll processing and effective benefits administration for all employees. This position is responsible for supporting payroll & benefit operations, benefits reconciliation, and employee communications. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a working knowledge of HRIS systems, payroll regulations, and benefit plan management. This role requires a proactive self-starter who can independently manage responsibilities, prioritize competing deadlines, and consistently follow through on assigned work with minimal supervision.

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Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration:

• Participate in biweekly payroll processing.
• Serve as a primary data auditor in payroll processing (e.g., punch imports, payroll data audits).
• Handle payroll adjustment requests submitted through the HERO system.
• Handle incoming employee and manager inquiries.
• Assist with finance and payroll-related audits.
• Perform ongoing HRIS system cleanup and maintenance to ensure data accuracy.
• Manage unemployment claims processing and tracking.
• Support other internal HR/company initiatives as needed.
• Independently manage assigned responsibilities and ensure tasks are completed accurately and within established deadlines.

Benefits Administration:

• Reconcile all monthly benefits invoices and ensure timely funding (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
• Process 401(k) updates, funding, and reporting; assist with annual 401(k) audit.
• Reconcile and fund FSA/HSA accounts accurately and on schedule.
• Conduct enrollment and verification reminder outreach to employees.
• Manage Leave of Absence (LOA) intake, tracking, communication, and outreach to employees.
• Monitor and manage benefit arrears and coordinate with payroll for accurate deductions.
• Update employee benefit eligibility in the HRIS system following qualifying events and employment changes.
• Administer Dependent Verification processes to ensure benefits compliance.
• Oversee programs such as Border Cares and Vacation Donation.
• Manage and respond to Benefits HERO requests.
• Handle medical support notices in accordance with legal requirements.
• Proactively identify follow-up needs, manage priorities independently, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
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Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• 2-4 years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax laws, benefits compliance, and HRIS platforms (Dayforce experience a plus).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (specifically Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP formulas).
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines consistently and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Work Environment:

• Hybrid
• Standard office hours with flexibility required during payroll processing periods and audits.