At Synergy IT Solutions, we believe employee ownership drives accountability, transparency, and shared success. As a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), every role contributes directly to our collective performance. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is a critical member of our HR team, responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll and benefits. This role owns the end-to-end payroll process and serves as the primary administrator for benefit and wealth building programs, including our ESOP and 401(k). This is a high-impact role ideal for someone who thrives in a detail-driven, process-oriented environment and takes pride in data accuracy.

What You’ll Own...

Payroll Operations (Primary Focus)

Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll in Paycor
Audit employee time and attendance; resolve discrepancies with managers
Manage payroll deductions including garnishments, benefits, and taxes
Ensure compliance with all federal and New York State wage and hour laws
Prepare payroll-related reports (bi-weekly, quarterly, year-end)
Support payroll audits and maintain documentation for compliance

Benefits & Retirement Administration

Administer all employee benefit programs:
- Medical, dental, vision
- Life, disability, and leave programs
- 401(k) and ESOP
Coordinate open enrollment, qualifying events, and employee changes
Manage relationships with benefit providers and resolve discrepancies
Support annual reporting and compliance (e.g., census reporting, 5500 prep, non-discrimination testing)

HRIS & Data Integrity (Paycor)

Maintain accurate employee data across HR systems
Ensure proper setup and updates for payroll and benefits changes
Generate ad hoc reports for leadership, Finance, and audits
Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency and data accuracy

Employee Support & Communication

Serve as a trusted resource for employee pay and benefits questions
Educate employees and managers on payroll processes and updates
Ensure timely, clear, and professional communication

What Success Looks Like

Payroll processed 100% accurately and on time, every cycle
Benefits are administered seamlessly with minimal employee issues
Data in Paycor is complete, accurate, and audit-ready
Employees trust HR for clear, timely answers
Compliance risks are proactively mitigated

What You Bring!

Experience

High school diploma required
Associates degree preferred
3-5 years of payroll processing and human resources experience
Experience administering employee benefits and/or retirement plans
Experience with payroll/HRIS systems (Paycor experience a plus)
Expertise in financial data processing and management
Strong attention to detail.
Strong mathematical abilities.
Maintain high level of confidentiality.
Proficient in Excel and other technical resources like Microsoft 365
Effective communicator
Effective time management skills.
Aptitude for solving issues.

Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Strong understanding of payroll processes and compliance requirements
Proficiency in Excel and data reporting
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality
Clear, professional communication skills

Why Join Synergy?

Employee Ownership (ESOP): Share in the success you help create
Collaborative Culture: Team-focused, supportive environment
Growth Opportunity: Be part of a progressive HR function with evolving systems and processes
Impact: Your work directly supports every employee, every paycheck, every benefit

Payroll & Human Resources Administrator