Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Overview

At Yugo, we're on a mission to enhance the student living experience-and that includes making sure our teams are supported behind the scenes. As our Payroll and Benefits Specialist, you'll play a critical role in ensuring our people are paid accurately, supported through life events, and have access to benefits that enable them to thrive.

This role goes beyond processing-it's about ownership. You'll be a key partner across People & Culture, Finance, and Operations, helping drive accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience across payroll, benefits, retirement, and leave programs.

Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time through ADP Workforce Now
• Validate payroll data including wages, commissions, bonuses, deductions, and tax withholdings
• Partner with Operations and Finance to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure alignment with budgets and headcount
• Conduct regular payroll audits and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Manage year-end processes including W-2 review and distribution
• Maintain payroll reporting and support internal and external audit requests

Benefits Administration

• Administer all employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits
• Manage enrollments, life event changes, and terminations with a high level of accuracy
• Partner with brokers, carriers, and vendors to resolve escalations and ensure smooth administration
• Support open enrollment planning, execution, and employee education
• Maintain accurate benefits records and ensure data integrity across systems
• Support and manage billing in coordination with Finance Team

Leaves of Absence (LOA) Management

• Administer all leave programs including FMLA, state/local leaves, ADA accommodations, and company leave policies
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees navigating leave, ensuring a supportive and compliant experience
• Coordinate with third-party administrators and internal stakeholders on leave tracking and documentation
• Manage return-to-work processes and ensure proper system updates and pay/benefit alignment

401k & Retirement Administration

• Administer the company's 401(k) plan, including eligibility, enrollments, and contribution changes
• Coordinate with plan providers to ensure accurate payroll deductions and employer contributions
• Support compliance activities including nondiscrimination testing, annual notices, and audits
• Assist employees with retirement plan questions and education
• Ensure timely reconciliation of contributions and funding

Workers Compensation

• Manage workers' compensation claims from intake through resolution
• Partner with carriers, employees, and managers to ensure timely reporting and proper documentation
• Track claims, support return-to-work efforts, and monitor trends
• Ensure compliance with state-specific requirements and reporting obligations

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with multi-state tax regulations, labor laws, and internal policies.
• Maintain payroll-related tax setups and coordinate with relevant jurisdictions on tax filings.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to support audits, benefits renewals, software integrations and process enhancements.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in payroll and benefits operations.
• Develop and maintain clear documentation for payroll, benefits and leave processes

Employee Support

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, retirement, and leave questions
• Provide clear, timely, and empathetic communication
• Educate employees on payroll timelines, deductions, and benefit offerings

Handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and professionalism

Qualifications

Here's What You'll Bring:

• 3+ years of experience in payroll and benefits administration in a multi-state environment
• Strong experience with ADP Workforce Now (or similar HRIS/payroll systems
• Working knowledge of 401(k) administration, leave laws (FMLA, ADA), and workers' compensation
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and benefits compliance
• High attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills and a service-oriented mindset

Here's a snapshot of what we offer:

• Competitive Salary of $65,000 - $70,000 / annually
• Generous benefits package! Including health, dental and vision.
• 401K + 4% employer matching
• Three weeks of PTO
• Paid wellness time
• Paid volunteer time
• Paid YuDay
• Parental Leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Company paid STD, LTD and Life insurance

At Yugo, we believe in creating a culture where everyone belongs and feels empowered to do their best work. If you're looking to make an impact in a people-first environment, apply today.

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