Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Join HGA's Human Resources team as a Payroll Specialist who will be responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 1,100 employees across multiple states. This role manages day-to-day payroll administration, maintains employee payroll records, responds to payroll inquiries, and assists with payroll reporting, compliance, and audit activities.

In this role you will focus on these areas:

Payroll Administration

Process assigned components of regular and off-cycle payrolls for a multi-state employee population.
• Process payroll-related transactions, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, deductions, garnishments, direct deposit updates, and other employee data changes.
• Review payroll reports and employee data for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with regular and off-cycle payroll processing.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee pay data and payroll documentation.
• Research and resolve routine payroll discrepancies.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding pay, deductions, direct deposits, garnishments, and payroll procedures.
• Support payroll-related onboarding activities for new employees.
• Maintain payroll documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Benefits Support

• Assist with employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations and qualifying life events.
• Coordinate benefit deduction updates between payroll and benefits systems.
• Coordinate leave-related payroll and benefit changes with the HGA's leave administrator.
• Respond to routine employee questions regarding benefit deductions and enrollment status.
• Support annual open enrollment activities and employee communications.
• Maintain accurate benefit-related records and documentation.
• Escalate complex benefits questions and plan-related issues to Benefit and Compensation Manager.

Reconciliation, Reporting & Compliance Support

• Reconcile payroll and benefits records and research discrepancies.
• Prepare standard payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Assist with quarterly, annual, and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 reconciliation and reporting support.
• Assist with payroll audits and data validation activities.
• Support year-end payroll activities and employee record reviews.
• Maintain compliance with company payroll procedures and applicable regulations.
• Assist with document requests for internal and external audits.

Systems & Process Support

• Utilize payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and benefits systems to support payroll operations.
• Maintain employee records and approved system updates with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Assist with routine testing of payroll and HR system updates.
• Report system issues and assist with troubleshooting efforts.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee service.
• Follow established payroll procedures and maintain process documentation.

Team Partnership

• Work closely with the Senior Payroll Manager to establish an effective division of responsibilities
• Support payroll activities during vacations, absences, and peak processing periods.
• Participate in team projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, managers, and employees.
• Participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

What you will need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll reconciliation and payroll reporting.
• Experience supporting employee benefits administration, including enrollments and payroll deductions.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll requirements.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and benefits administration systems; ADP experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently resolve routine and moderately complex payroll and benefits issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Strong customer service, communication, and relationship-management skills.

Salary Information:

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA's robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $$76,000 - $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information:

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work-life balance, and empower your desired career growth. HGA is a national award-winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering.

Learn more about us here.

Please submit resume for consideration.