Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Company Description:

LAWRENCE FAMILY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY is a civic and social organization serving the La Jolla and greater San Diego community. Located at 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla, California, the center offers programs, services, and events that foster community engagement and support individuals and families across diverse backgrounds. Team members work in a collaborative environment focused on service, inclusion, and strengthening community connections. The organization provides opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful, mission-driven work.

Role Description:

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (LFJCC) is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to oversee payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and related financial reconciliations. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and collaborating closely with Finance, this position plays a key role in ensuring accurate payroll operations, administering employee benefit programs, and identifying opportunities to enhance benefit offerings and improve processes.

The position also provides Human Resources support, including recruitment and onboarding assistance, particularly during peak seasonal hiring periods.

This is a fully on-site position at the LFJCC campus. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available.

Responsibilities:

• Manage accurate and timely semi-monthly payroll processing through ADP, including timekeeping reviews, payroll adjustments, employee changes, and payroll reconciliations.
• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and the 403(b) retirement plan.
• Coordinate benefit enrollments, eligibility changes, qualifying life events, annual open enrollment, and employee benefit communications.
• Lead benefit renewal evaluations, review plan offerings and costs, coordinate with brokers and vendors, and identify opportunities for cost savings and program improvements.
• Reconcile benefit invoices, payroll deductions, employer contributions, and retirement plan contributions in collaboration with Finance.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll, benefits, and leave records while supporting compliance requirements, reporting, and audits.
• Serve as a primary resource for employee payroll and benefits questions, resolving discrepancies and coordinating with external providers as needed.
• Support Human Resources with recruitment, interview coordination, pre-employment screenings, new hire documentation, and onboarding, particularly during seasonal hiring periods.
• Coordinate employee benefits education sessions, including open enrollment meetings and retirement plan workshops.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll, benefits, and HR processes, accuracy, and efficiency.

Requirements:

• Minimum of three years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, accounting, or a related field, including hands-on payroll processing.
• Experience with employee benefit administration, payroll deductions, insurance reconciliations, and retirement plan contributions preferred.
• ADP experience required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll or HR information systems.
• Previous experience supporting HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee recordkeeping, preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, employee benefits administration, and applicable employment regulations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and consistently meet payroll and benefits deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant professional certification preferred, but not required.

Additional Information:

This position requires regular on-site attendance at the LFJCC campus in La Jolla, California. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required.

Employment is subject to applicable background screening requirements.

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.