Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Location: Northville MI
Reports To: Director of HR
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us: We are a fast-growing, multi-unit franchise ownership group operating over 30 Goldfish Swim School locations across the country. Our mission is to create safe, fun, and effective swim instruction for children, backed by a passionate team of professionals who value excellence, consistency, and community. As we continue to scale, we’re looking to strengthen our corporate support team to keep up with our growth—and that’s where you come in.
Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our corporate team. This person will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll across all franchise locations using Paychex Flex, managing related payroll reporting, and assisting in benefits administration. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced in multi-state payroll processing with a working knowledge of HR/payroll compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing:
  • Process bi-weekly payroll for 1,000+ employees across 30+ locations using Paychex Flex.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
  • Review timesheets, PTO, bonuses, and deductions for accuracy.
  • Maintain employee records and payroll data integrity.
  • Reconcile payroll reports and general ledger entries as needed.
• Payroll Compliance & Auditing:
  • Stay current on multi-state payroll laws and ensure compliance across all locations.
  • Assist with audits and regulatory filings (e.g., W-2s, 941s, etc.).
  • Create and maintain payroll SOPs to standardize processes.
• Benefits Administration:
  • Assist with employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and other voluntary plans.
  • Coordinate benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
  • Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits, payroll, and policies.
• Reporting & Analysis:
  • Prepare payroll and headcount reports for finance and HR leadership.
  • Identify trends or discrepancies and recommend process improvements.
  • Partner with location managers to resolve payroll issues promptly.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • 3+ years of payroll processing experience, including multi-location and multi-state environments.
    Hands-on experience with Paychex Flex 
  • Strong understanding of payroll regulations, taxes, and wage and hour laws.
    Experience handling confidential information with discretion.
    Proficient in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Preferred:
  • Experience in a franchise, hospitality, or multi-unit business environment.
  • Familiarity with benefits administration and open enrollment processes.
  • Knowledge of ACA, FMLA, COBRA, and other compliance regulations.

Attributes for Success

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• A “roll up your sleeves” mentality—comfortable in a growing, fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Supportive team culture within a mission-driven organization.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact at scale.
  
  

Compensación: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Somos un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y todos los candidatos calificados recibirán consideración por el empleo sin distinción de raza, color, religión, sexo, origen nacional, estado de discapacidad, estado de veterano protegido o cualquier otra característica protegida por la ley.

Tropical Vibes & Impacting Lives!

You feel it the moment you walk in. There’s more than vibrant colors, a tropical theme and happy children. There’s something different, something extraordinary. Something truly GOLDEN. It’s passion. Not just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming…it’s a special passion for changing – even saving – lives, by being a part of kids learning to swim.

When you work at Goldfish, you're not just an employee. You're a part of something bigger. You're making an impact; a splash in the lives