Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist - 1O1K076

Snipebridge, a strategic talent solutions company specializing in connecting exceptional talent to great career opportunities in the Architecture & Planning industry, is seeking a Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist. Our client is an internationally recognized AD100 design firm known for its bold ideas, interdisciplinary approach, and deep respect for place. With a portfolio that spans residential, hospitality, cultural, and civic spaces, the firm merges architecture, art, and craft to shape environments that are both meaningful and memorable. Grounded in sustainability and driven by curiosity, they cultivate a studio culture that champions collaboration, exploration, and design that serves both people and planet. Position Summary  The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for processing all aspects of payroll, complying with payroll regulations, and reconciling and auditing employee benefits. This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll operations and leads process improvements and audits. This role will collaborate with Finance and Human Resources to deliver exceptional results within specified deadlines. Primary Responsibilities: Timesheets: Execute a high-volume timesheet auditing process, including the review and approval of all employee timesheets each week. Monitor, research, and resolve any timesheet coding issues with employees.  Coordinate and prorate time and pay entries for employee changes due to new hires/terminations/leaves. Biweekly, Mid-Month, End-of-Month Payrolls: Process and review biweekly, mid-month, and end-of-month payrolls for multiple entities and jurisdictions, including salaried and hourly employees.  Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including calculation of wages, overtime, garnishments, bonuses, commissions, and deductions. Serve as the primary liaison with HR and Finance to ensure accurate benefit deductions, tax setups, and employee changes. Monitor, research, and resolve any pay issues regarding compensation, hours, deductions, 401K, and payroll taxes. Audit employee changes in the payroll system by reporting and reviewing changes during the payroll process to ensure the accuracy of employee pay. Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, timekeeping, and deductions with professionalism and confidentiality. Submit pre- and post-payroll reports to leadership for final approval. Coordinate funding of the biweekly, mid-month, and end-of-month payrolls with the Finance team. Produce payroll and labor reports requested by leadership. Maintain employee records and data in ERP. Tax Reporting: Work with our payroll system provider to ensure that all monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports and taxes are executed according to State and Federal tax laws and deadlines. Month-End/Year-End Reconciliations:   Reconcile monthly payroll reports and resolve discrepancies.  Execute the month-end close process regarding timesheets/payroll/benefits and resolve issues. Review financial statements to ensure the accuracy of benefit entries. Reconcile monthly benefit invoices against internal enrollment and payroll records to ensure billing accuracy. Investigate and resolve discrepancies with carriers related to coverage changes, overcharges, and terminations in collaboration with the HR team. Reconciliation and coordination of payments to benefit providers with the AP team. Audit employee benefit enrollment changes (e.g., new hires, terminations, life events). Monitor and report benefit cost and enrollment variances, escalating issues and providing summaries to HR and Finance. Maintain organized documentation of reconciliations, corrections, and carrier communications for audits and reporting. Education/Skills/Experience: Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field—or equivalent professional experience. 7+ years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll using third-party systems (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Paycom, Workday, Ceridian). Industry experience in architecture, engineering, design, or construction is a plus. CPP or FPC certification preferred. Proficient in Microsoft 365, especially Excel; familiar with digital file management and data reporting tools. Experience with general ledger integration and accounting systems is a bonus. Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and compliance standards. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accountable for delivering accurate, high-quality work. Proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and follows through on tasks and projects. Communicates clearly and professionally across teams, vendors, and stakeholders. Adaptable and collaborative—thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Exercises sound judgment and discretion with confidential information. Eager to learn and grow; open to new tools, systems, and ideas. Must consent to a criminal background check. Benefits At the time of posting this job, the hiring range for this position in Seattle is between $75,000 and $88,000 annually. Final salary decisions are made based upon the extent and relatedness of the candidate’s education and experience and considering internal equity and external market factors. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must already possess long-term work authorization.