Payroll and Benefits Specialist

About Hakkoda

Hakkoda is a modern data consultancy empowering data driven organizations. We are experts in helping companies realize the full value of the Snowflake Data Cloud. We provide consulting and managed services in data architecture, data engineering, analytics and data science.

We are renowned for bringing our clients deep expertise, being easy to work with and for our fun culture as a great place to work! Our Company values are People first, Trust is everything, Live life, Stay curious and be the change. We are looking for curious and creative individuals who want to be part of a fast-paced, dynamic environment, where everyone’s input and efforts are valued.

We hire outstanding individuals and give them the opportunity to thrive in a collaborative atmosphere that values learning, growth, and hard work. Our team is distributed across the United States, Costa Rica, UK and Portugal. If you have the desire to be a part of an exciting, challenging, and rapidly-growing Snowflake consulting services company, and if you are passionate about making a difference in this world, join Hakkoda!

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• The Payroll and Benefits Specialist role is a great opportunity to be involved in various aspects of payroll, benefits and finance at a growing international company. We’re looking for a qualified and self-motivated individual to help manage the payroll process in the United States as we currently have employees in 27 states and counting. The ideal candidate will have a natural passion for payroll, benefits, compliance, great attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast paced environment. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will work directly with the VP of Finance, Senior Accountant and Chief Talent Officer.

Responsibilities: Payroll processing (US)

• Review and process bi-monthly payroll in Rippling (HRIS).

• Verify accuracy of payroll information and resolve any discrepancies.

• Review employees’ wages, deductions, taxes and other adjustments.

• Ensure Compliance with federal, state and local payroll requirements.

• Generate reports on payroll and benefit costs, deductions and contributions.

• Prepare payroll-related tax filings and reports as required.

• Implement and maintain payroll processes.

Benefits Administration (US)

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, work from home stipend, and other fringe benefits.

• Work with brokers to design and implement competitive benefit programs.

• Assist employees with benefit enrollment, changes and inquiries.

• Review monthly benefit invoices for accuracy.

• Ensure compliance with benefit plan regulations and reporting requirements.

• Manage leave administration process.

Spend Management

• Maintain spend management company policy and review transactions for adherence to policy. Issue spend management cards to new employees.

• Prepare monthly spend management reporting, ensure spend by department is in line with budget.

Compliance

• Maintain compliance with federal, state and local payroll requirements. Manage correspondence with agencies and resolve any discrepancies.

• Assist in year end audits (for areas related to payroll and benefits) and tax filings.

Global Payroll Management

• Cross train on the payroll processes for employees across various international locations (Costa Rica, Portugal, UK, Employer of Record).

Technology and Systems

• Utilize and optimize payroll and benefits management systems to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

• Experience with Rippling HRIS is preferred.

• Collaborate with Rippling technical resources to implement system upgrades and enhancements.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Generate and analyze payroll and benefits reports to identify trends and areas for improvements.

• Provide regular reports to leadership on key metrics related to payroll and benefits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.

• Proven experience as a Payroll Specialist or similar role, preferably with benefits administration responsibilities.

• 3-5 years of experience in a related field is preferred.

• Knowledge of payroll processing and accounting principles.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, be self-directed and self-motivated.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Rippling (HR and payroll platform) and Sage intacct (GL).Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Remote position
• Additional work from home benefits
• Bonus
• Trip to Costa Rica for new hire training