Payroll and Benefits Administrator

About Brightway

Established in 2008, Brightway is proud to be one of the fastest-growing insurance agency systems in the United States. With over 350 franchises spanning 35+ states and an impressive $1.3 billion in annual premiums, we rank among the nation’s largest privately owned property and casualty insurance distribution companies. We support our agency owners with comprehensive back-office services, marketing resources, and continuous learning and development.

We are embarking on the next stage of our customer-centric growth, driven by innovation from our talented associates and the application of cutting-edge technologies. This growth has opened doors for creative thinkers who thrive in a diverse and collaborative culture. As a Brightway team member, you'll engage in exciting projects that are reshaping the industry, working alongside a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional customer service and safeguarding our clients' most valuable assets.

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Scope

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for the administration of payroll, employee benefits and associated HRIS functions within payroll, benefits and timekeeping. This role serves as a subject matter expert ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliant benefits administration, and optimized system performance. The Payroll and Benefits Administrator partners closely with HR and Finance to maintain regulatory compliance, enhance system efficiencies, safeguard data integrity and deliver a seamless employee experience. This position plays a critical role in process improvement, reporting and analytics, vendor management and cross-functional collaboration to support organizational growth and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Payroll Administration:

· Assist in the processing multi-state payroll ensuring accuracy and timeliness in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

· Review and validate payroll data including earnings, deductions, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, and benefits

· Review and reconcile payroll reports, general ledger entries, and benefit deductions

· Assist with year-end processes, including W-2 preparation, audit support, and regulatory reporting

· Assists with maintaining accurate federal, state and local tax compliance.

· Ensure compliance with FLSA, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and final paycheck requirements

· Maintain payroll controls, documentation, and internal audit procedures

· Review and ensure accuracy of timekeeping systems and integrations

· Provide guidance to team members as needed.

· Assist with system upgrades, implementations and payroll process improvements

· Serve as a resource to employees regarding pay, deductions, taxes and payroll-related inquiries

· Maintain new hire setup, terminations and final pay requirements that impact payroll processing

· Assists with Bureau of Labor Statistics, Workers’ Compensation and Retirement auditing

Benefits Administration:

· Administers health and welfare benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, and voluntary benefits

· Review benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier integrations

· Assist with open enrollment preparation, system updates and employee communication

· Assist in the reconciliation of benefit invoices

· Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations

· Support leave of absence tracking as it relates to benefits continuation

· Assist in the administration of Family Medical Leave and ADA management

· Assist with annual audits, nondiscrimination testing coordination and reporting requirements

· Prepare benefits reports and analytics as needed

System Administration

· Maintain and administers the payroll and benefits modules in ADP

· Maintain system settings, workflows, earnings and deduction codes and benefit plans

· Ensure data integrity through regular audits and reconciliation processes

· Manage system updates, enhancements, test and implementation of new payroll and benefit features

· Develop and maintain HRIS documentation, procedures and user guides for payroll and benefits

· Serve as the primary point of contact for HRIS-related troubleshooting and user support for payroll and benefits

Skills, Licenses, Certifications

· Excellent attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines and multitasking

· Wage and hour law knowledge (FLSA)

· Payroll tax compliance (federal, state and local)

· Knowledge of pre-tax deductions (section 125) and FSLA OT (non-discretionary bonuses)

· Garnishment and levy administration

· Knowledge of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations

· ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPPAA compliance

· API file integration, system configuration and maintenance

· Payroll-to-GL reconciliation

· Knowledge of benefit eligibility requirements within the plan design

· Benefit invoice reconciliation

· Open enrollment system setup and auditing

· Workers’ Compensation Reporting and Auditing

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office products

· Strong analytical and mathematical skills

· Knowledge of commonly used payroll, accounting, HR related concepts

· Uses independent judgment and decision making to complete tasks

· Can demonstrate Brightway values of Smart, Accountable and Trustworthy

Education and Experience

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred

· Equivalent combination of training with 5-7 years of progressive payroll administration experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

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Equal Employment Opportunity:
Brightway Insurance is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects the contributions of all individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential to our success and fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Our goal is to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and grow.