Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Location: New York City, NY (4 days onsite / 1 day remote)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Human Resources Director

The Role

At Petfolk, we believe our people are our greatest asset—so ensuring they’re paid accurately, on time, and have access to top-notch benefits is non-negotiable. We’re looking for a meticulous and service-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to take the lead on payroll operations and benefits administration for our growing, multi-state team.

This role is perfect for someone who loves a well-balanced spreadsheet, gets a thrill from finding and fixing discrepancies, and can explain payroll or 401(k) questions to employees in a way that feels human (and not like reading a tax form out loud).

What You’ll Do

Payroll Operations

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for 350+ employees across 35+ locations, multiple states, and legal entities.

• Accurately process salaries, bonuses, overtime, garnishments, and deductions.

• Validate and reconcile payroll prior to submission; ensure all changes (new hires, terminations, salary updates) are correct.

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws.

• Set up and manage SIT and SUI accounts for new states as we expand.

• Prepare and file quarterly/annual payroll tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and other filings.

• Respond to payroll inquiries quickly and professionally.

Benefits & 401(k) Administration

• Review and reconcile monthly benefits invoices (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, 401(k)).

• Compare payroll deductions against carrier invoices; resolve discrepancies.

• Administer 401(k) plan operations: enrollments, loans, distributions, compliance testing, and employee support.

• Coordinate with brokers, carriers, and TPAs to resolve billing/enrollment issues.

• Assist with open enrollment, including vendor file audits and employee communications.

• Ensure compliance with COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, and related regulations.

What We’re Looking For

• Education & Experience:

  • BA/BS in HR, Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.

  • 3–5 years of payroll and benefits experience in a multi-state, multi-entity environment.

  • HRIS/payroll system experience (Rippling a big plus).

• Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong knowledge of payroll/benefits laws and compliance.

  • Advanced Excel skills and data reconciliation expertise.

  • Highly detail-oriented and proactive.

  • Strong communication skills and a service mindset.

  • Absolute discretion with confidential information.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• You’ll be a key player in making sure our team members feel valued, supported, and paid accurately.

• You’ll join a rapidly growing company on a mission to raise the bar in pet care.

• You’ll work alongside passionate, driven colleagues who care deeply about people and pets.

Work Environment: 4 days onsite in NYC, 1 day remote. Minimal travel (up to 5%) to our locations or HQ.

Compensation & Benefits:
The base salary range for this role is $80,000 – $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.

 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee filling this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management.  Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this job description. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

----

Petfolk is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the company to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.