Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Automatiq

Payroll & Benefits Specialist overseeing payroll, equity, and benefits for Automatiq. Focus on compliance and employee experience in a remote environment.

Posted 6/30/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in end-to-end payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with federal and multi-state payroll tax laws. Proficient in managing equity programs and HRIS platforms while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee data.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Payroll ProcessingBenefits AdministrationFederal And Multi-State Payroll Tax LawEquity Administration PlatformsHR Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll SoftwareMicrosoft ExcelData AnalysisEquity Plan MechanicsFMLA RegulationsOpen Enrollment CoordinationLeave RegulationsEmployment VerificationTax WithholdingAudit Compliance

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailClear CommunicationEmpathyDiscretionProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

HRIS PlatformsCartaPulleyRipplingDeelWorkdayBambooHR

Certifications & Qualifications

PHRSHRM-CPCPP

Industry Keywords

Payroll AccuracyEquity Program AdministrationEmployee BenefitsHigh-Growth StartupCompliance Risks

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own end-to-end payroll processing for US employees (and contractors, as applicable) on a bi-weekly or semi-monthly cycle
Ensure payroll accuracy including salary changes, bonuses, garnishments, tax withholding, and retroactive adjustments
Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll data and maintain clean records for audits and reporting
Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements; flag compliance risks proactively
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies quickly
Support year-end processing including W-2s, ACA reporting, and any required tax filings
Manage and fulfill employment and income verification requests in a timely and accurate manner.
Administer the company's equity program (stock options, RSUs, or similar) in partnership with Finance
Manage the cap table platform (e.g., Carta, Pulley) — process grants, exercises, cancellations, and terminations accurately and on schedule
Communicate equity details to employees clearly: grant notices, vesting schedules, exercise windows, and tax implications in plain language
Administer all leave programs including FMLA, state-specific leaves, parental leave, medical leave, and any company-specific policies
Own day-to-day benefits administration including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, life insurance, and ancillary programs
Manage open enrollment end-to-end: system configuration, employee communications, carrier coordination, and deadline tracking
Process qualifying life events promptly and ensure employees understand their options
Manage unemployment insurance claims, including coordinating with state agencies and responding to claims inquiries.

Requirements

What you’ll need

3–5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, or HR operations — ideally with exposure to at least two of the four functional areas above
Hands-on experience with payroll software
Working knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax law and leave regulations (FMLA, state PFL, etc.)
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with experience analyzing datasets
Experience administering benefits programs including open enrollment coordination
Strong attention to detail — payroll and equity errors have real consequences for real people
Ability to handle sensitive employee data with discretion and professionalism
Clear, empathetic communicator — employees should feel informed and supported, not confused
Experience with equity administration platforms (Carta, Pulley, or similar)
Exposure to equity plan mechanics: option types, vesting schedules, 409A, and related tax concepts
Experience in a high-growth startup or scale-up environment where programs are built, not just maintained
HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, CPP, or similar)
Familiarity with HRIS platforms (Rippling, Deel, Workday, BambooHR, or similar)