POSITION SUMMARY:

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and administration of employee benefits for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. As a member of the Finance team, this position plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy, financial controls, reconciliations, employee data integrity, and compliance.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist works closely with Finance, Human Resources, supervisors, and employees to ensure payroll and benefit transactions are accurately recorded and processed. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines within a workforce that includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Payroll Administration

• Process semimonthly payroll accurately and on time, reviewing timecards, pay rates, earnings, deductions, reimbursements, adjustments, and other transactions before submission. 
• Process payroll changes for new hires, terminations, transfers, compensation changes, and other employee transactions. Work with supervisors and Human Resources to resolve timekeeping and pay discrepancies. 
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation; prepare reports and perform routine audits for accuracy and data integrity. 
• Reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger, research discrepancies, and ensure expenses are assigned to the correct departments, programs, locations, cost centers, and accounts. 
• Process garnishments, tax levies, and other required deductions. Assist with quarterly and year-end reconciliations and W-2 processing. 

Benefits Administration

• Administer YMCA-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and other benefits, including timely enrollments, changes, and terminations. 
• Verify that payroll deductions match employee elections; reconcile carrier invoices with enrollment and deduction records; and resolve discrepancies. 
• Coordinate with Human Resources on eligibility and employment-status changes, and assist employees with enrollment, deductions, eligibility, and benefit resources. 
• Support open enrollment through system updates, employee elections, deduction changes, and reconciliation. Work with carriers, brokers, retirement plan administrators, and other vendors. 
• Maintain accurate benefit records. 

Financial Reporting & Reconciliation

• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet and general ledger accounts; prepare assigned journal entries and supporting documentation. 
• Review payroll expenses and labor allocations, and research differences among payroll, HRIS, benefits, and accounting systems. 
• Assist with month-end and year-end close, and prepare documentation for financial, retirement plan, workers’ compensation, and other audits. 
• Generate payroll, labor distribution, benefits, and workforce reports while maintaining appropriate processing controls and documentation. 

Systems & Data Administration

• Maintain accurate payroll and benefit data in Paylocity and applicable accounting systems; verify employee changes and the flow of information among Payroll, Benefits, Human Resources, and Finance. 
• Audit data, generate and analyze reports, and assist employees and supervisors with payroll, timekeeping, and system questions. 
• Support system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvements, and maintain written payroll and benefit procedures. 

Employee Support & Collaboration

• Respond professionally to employee payroll and benefit questions. 
• Partner with Human Resources on status changes, compensation, eligibility, onboarding, and separations, and with Finance on payroll accounting, reconciliations, budgeting, and reporting. 
• Identify ways to improve payroll and benefit processes, controls, accuracy, and efficiency. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

BENEFITS PACKAGE:
We believe meaningful work deserves meaningful perks! As a full-time team member, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible medical, dental, and vision plans, supplemental insurance options, paid training, generous PTO, and an HSA match. You'll also receive a complimentary nationwide YMCA family membership, exclusive discounts on YMCA programs like swim lessons and camps, and access to our YMCA Retirement Plan—so you can grow, thrive, and plan for your future while making a difference every day. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred. 
• Two or more years of experience in payroll, accounting, benefits administration, or a related function preferred. 
• Experience with multi-department or multi-location payroll and full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees is also preferred. 
• Working knowledge of payroll, timekeeping, deductions, benefits, and applicable wage and hour requirements. Understanding of payroll accounting, general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting, and internal controls preferred. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to analyze large amounts of employee and financial data. Experience with SGA, Paylocity, or other HRIS, payroll, and accounting systems preferred; willingness to learn new systems required. 
• Strong numerical, analytical, and reconciliation skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies, research causes, and resolve issues. 
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet multiple recurring deadlines accurately. 
• Strong communication, customer-service, and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain payroll and benefits information clearly and work across Finance and Human Resources. 
• Sound judgment and discretion with confidential information, a commitment to process improvement, and alignment with the YMCA’s mission and values.

SKILLS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• Strong numerical, analytical, and reconciliation skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Understanding of the relationship between payroll transactions and financial reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple recurring deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
• Ability to recognize discrepancies and independently research potential causes.
• Strong technology skills and willingness to learn new systems.
• Ability to communicate payroll and benefit information clearly to employees and supervisors.
• Strong collaboration skills, particularly when working across Finance and Human Resources.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Commitment to continuous process improvement and strong internal controls.
• Commitment to the YMCA's mission and values.

YMCA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.

Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.

Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.

Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.

Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.

Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.

Job Title: PAYROLL & BENEFITS SPECIALIST

FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

Job Type: Full Time
Pay Rate: $46,050 - $57,563 / Year
Revision Date: 9/23/26

Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.