Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Love details + people? Be our Benefits & Payroll Specialist & help the YMT thrive while growing your HR career!  
Job Description

In keeping with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, and under the direction of the VP of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), the Payroll & Benefit Specialist ensures accurate, timely data entry and that all payroll and benefit processes remain fully compliant with policies and regulations. This role also supports the People Services department and contributes to the HR team’s commitment to providing exceptional, responsive service to employees, volunteers, members, and participants of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

We’re looking for a collaborative partner who has a genuine passion for serving YMCA staff and embodies trust, confidence, and respect. Success in this role requires excellent communication, strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail, a proactive and responsive mindset, and the ability to handle confidential information with the utmost integrity.

Qualifications
  • Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and cause.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse community—and to serve employees with warmth, professionalism, and a sense of humor.
  • Professional image with strong conflict-resolution skills, sound judgment, and initiative.
  • Ability to thrive as part of a fast-paced team while working independently with minimal supervision.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and make sound administrative and procedural decisions on sensitive issues.
  • Knowledge of HR practices, policies, and federal and state employment laws (including those related to the employment of minors).
  • A desire to drive innovation and continuous improvement within Human Resources to enhance efficiency and customer service.

Education / Experience Required:

  • Minimum of two years’ experience with payroll and HRIS systems (Paycom preferred).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and customer management software; ability to quickly learn new software is essential.
  • Minimum age of 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex issues while exercising sound judgment and independent thinking.
  • Ability to travel to multiple locations within Middle Tennessee.
Essential Functions
  • Support the YMCA mission and model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
  • Model and advance behaviors that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to strengthen the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s ability to impact the community we serve.
  • Provide outstanding customer service for employees and HR staff through the Customer Relationship Management system, supporting inquiries related to benefits, payroll, and HR.
  • Administer Personnel Action Form (PAF) and HRIS transactions, ensuring timely and accurate entry of changes, new hires, rehires, and international staff while meeting deadlines.
  • Support bi-weekly payroll processing, including time data review, employee maintenance, tax information, direct deposit, and processing of new hire and termination data.
  • Coordinate and support the worker’s compensation process by setting up claims, verifying forms, updating records, and partnering with legal on claims. Conduct quarterly claim reviews and maintain OSHA 300 logs to ensure compliance.
  • Manage worker’s compensation leaves of absence, coordinating with FMLA and other applicable laws.
  • Ensure compliance with association policies and procedures, maintaining appropriate documentation to support decisions.
  • Communicate regularly with the VP of HRIS regarding personnel matters or issues, recommending process and practice improvements. Partner with the HR team to develop SOPs for the department and the Association.
  • Provide clerical and administrative support for the HR department, including accurate and timely data entry, filing, file organization, bill reconciliation, and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
  • Meet deadlines related to onboarding, offboarding, and benefit changes in the HRIS system.
  • Coordinate and communicate the annual benefits enrollment process.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  1. Building Relationships
  2. Leading Operations
Required Certifications
  • New Hire Orientation training (prior to first shift).
  • Paycom System Training (within two weeks of hire).