Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Magnificent Differences Consulting (MDC) is an HR and talent firm partnering with nonprofits and associations. We’re looking for a payroll and benefits professional who takes ownership of accurate, timely payroll and benefits administration.

Reporting to the HR Manager, you’re a team player who thrives in a remote environment and takes pride in getting the details right. You understand that people count on their pay and benefits, and you care about making sure both are accurate and on time, every time.

Core Functions

• Execute end-to-end, multi-state payroll for MDC and assigned client accounts on established schedules.
• Validate and reconcile timesheets, leave balances, earnings, deductions, and payroll reports; secure required approvals before processing.
• Process employee status changes, pay adjustments, bonuses, special pays, garnishments, and other payroll updates accurately and on time.
• Coordinate payroll tax registrations, filings, notices, and quarterly and year-end reconciliations with payroll providers and state agencies, escalating exceptions to the HR Manager.
• Administer benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations, including open enrollment, and coordinate with carriers to resolve discrepancies.
• Reconcile benefits and retirement invoices and funding reports against payroll deductions and employer contributions.
• Calculate retirement contributions and prepare and transmit required files, including employer matches, loan repayments, and catch-up contributions.
• Support leave-of-absence administration by tracking dates, maintaining documentation, and coordinating related pay and benefit changes under the HR Manager’s direction.
• Respond to routine employee payroll and benefits questions, resolve discrepancies, and escalate complex issues to the HR Manager.
• Maintain payroll and benefits system data, troubleshoot routine issues, and support testing and validation; keep records, calendars, SOPs, and checklists current and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience owning end-to-end, multi-state payroll and benefits administration.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.
• Paylocity experience strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Payroll Knowledge: Applies working knowledge of multi-state payroll, earnings, deductions, taxes, and payroll schedules.
• Benefits and Retirement Knowledge: Understands enrollment requirements, contribution rules, deductions, and how benefits and retirement plans connect to payroll.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Produces complete, correct work and identifies discrepancies during review.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Compares information across sources, determines why discrepancies occurred, and identifies appropriate corrections.
• Systems Proficiency: Uses payroll, HRIS, benefits, and retirement platforms effectively, including reporting, imports, and data validation.
• Organization and Time Management: Coordinates multiple accounts and deadlines, tracks outstanding items, and completes work on schedule.
• Process Documentation: Writes clear, accurate procedures and checklists that another team member can follow.
• Professional Communication: Explains information clearly, asks specific questions, and provides the context needed for others to act.
• Judgment: Distinguishes routine issues from exceptions and recognizes when approval or additional guidance is required.
• Confidentiality: Follows established requirements for accessing, maintaining, and sharing sensitive information.

Employment with MDC is on an at-will basis, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. MDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will consider reasonable accommodations necessary to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.