PAYROLL & TOTAL REWARDS SPECIALIST

Position Summary

The Payroll & Total Rewards Specialist is responsible for owning and executing the company's payroll function, where they will also serve as Inovar's primary liaison with ADP Comprehensive Services for the organization. This position will lead the implementation strategy and program as the organization moves from a decentralized payroll model to a strategic, thoughtful centralized payroll approach. This role is responsible for payroll governance, employee and business unit partnership and support, payroll validation, issue resolution, ADP system administration, and payroll tax oversight. In addition, once the payroll strategy is implemented, this role will expand its influence by supporting Inovar's total rewards programs, with responsibility for benefits administration, benefits support, vendor management, and invoice reconciliation. The role will also support Inovar's compensation programs through the administration of salary structures, pay ranges, market pricing activities, compensation reporting, and annual compensation planning process.

The position partners closely with employees, HR Business Partners, Finance, Operations, benefit carriers, third-party vendors, and ADP to deliver a high-quality employee experience through effective benefits administration; to ensure accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll operations across Inovar's multi-state, multi-FEIN manufacturing environment; and to maintain competitive and equitable compensation programs while supporting broader total rewards initiatives that attract, retain, and engage employees.

This position is expected to evaluate and recommend innovative technology within its remit that enhances the employee experience and reduces non-value added activities.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

• 60% ADP Comprehensive Payroll Services Liaison
• 30% Benefits Administration & Vendor Management
• 10% Total Rewards & Compensation Administration
• The mix of responsibilities will evolve over time as programs mature

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Specialist - 60%

ADP Comprehensive Services Relationship Management

• Serve as Inovar's primary day-to-day contact for ADP Comprehensive Services
• Coordinate with ADP Payroll Specialists, Tax Specialists, SmartCompliance teams, and implementation resources.
• Escalate service issues and monitor ADP performance against established service levels.
• Participate in payroll operational reviews, implementation meetings, and process improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain payroll Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in partnership with ADP
• Act as internal ADP Workforce Now Subject Matter Expert
• Maintain payroll, timekeeping, earnings, deductions, and security configurations

Payroll Administration & Validation

• Review and approve payrolls processed by ADP before submission
• Audit payroll registers, earnings, deductions, taxes, bonuses, commissions, shift differentials, and special payments
• Coordinate off-cycle payrolls, corrections, reversals, and manual checks

Payroll Tax & Compliance Oversight

• Serve as internal owner for payroll tax compliance despite outsourced execution
• Partner with ADP's Tax Navigation Center regarding payroll tax matters
• Monitor SmartCompliance activities and ensure timely resolution of tax issues

Total Rewards: Benefits Administration & Vendor Management - 30%

Benefit Administration

• Administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirements plans and voluntary benefit program
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, beneficiary changes, etc.
• Benefits Systems Administration - ensure accurate plan administration within ADP and vendor systems
• Support annual open enrollment planning, employee communications, and enrollment administration.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve eligibility and claims-related issues

Benefit Invoice Reconciliation & Financial Management

• Perform monthly reconciliation of all carrier invoices against payroll deductions and enrollment records
• Research and resolve billing variances, retroactive adjustments, and coverage concerns
• Coordinate premium corrections and adjustments with payroll and carriers

Benefits Compliance & Reporting

• Support ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and other benefits compliance activities.
• Maintain plan documentation and employee benefit records.
• Assist with annual audits, filings, and compliance reporting requirements.

Total Rewards: Compensation Administration - 10%

• Support administration and maintenance of Inovar's compensation structure, including salary grades, pay ranges, and job classifications.
• Assist with annual compensation planning activities, including merit increases, promotional increases, and market adjustments.
• Maintain accurate compensation data within HRIS and payroll systems.
• Support salary benchmarking and market-pricing initiatives.
• Prepare compensation reports, analyses, and recommendations for HR leadership.

Qualifications

• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of payroll, compensation, and/or benefits administration experience
• Experience processing multi-state payroll
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar HRIS/payroll systems
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting and data analysis
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism
• Competent and proficient in emerging technologies - AI and others

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing or multi-site organizations
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and benefits administration
• Experience with compensation analysis and salary benchmarking
• Experience with HR analytics and reporting
• Experience supporting compensation, benefits, or Total Rewards programs