Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Research Defender

Accounting & Finance

Remote

Posted on May 22, 2026

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will own and scale our global payroll and benefits operations as we continue to grow across multiple countries. This role will serve as the central point of coordination across payroll vendors, benefits providers, and internal teams to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency.

Reporting to the Director, People Success, this role will play a critical part in reducing operational risk, improving processes, and enabling the broader HR team to focus on employee experience and talent initiatives.

Department: People Success
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Remote US
Workplace type: Fully remote

Key Responsibilities

Global Payroll Coordination
- Own end-to-end coordination of global payroll across:
  - US & Canada (semi-monthly)
  - South Africa, Austria, UK (monthly)
  - Contractors and EOR populations
- Partner with Finance on payroll inputs (e.g., commissions, bonuses)
- Manage payroll vendors (Rippling + local providers) to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Maintain payroll records, audit trails, and reporting
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions
Compliance & Tax Management
- Manage state and local registrations, tax setup, and ongoing compliance
- Partner with vendors and agencies to resolve tax notices and discrepancies
- Ensure compliance across jurisdictions as we expand into new regions
Benefits & 401(k) Administration
- Own day-to-day administration of US benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- Manage 401(k) administration, audits, and employee support
- Support global benefits coordination where applicable
- Serve as liaison between employees and benefits providers
Contractor & EOR Oversight
- Track contractor payments and ensure proper classification
- Coordinate with EOR partners to ensure accurate payroll and compliance
Process & Systems
- Build and maintain:
  - Payroll calendars
  - Documentation and SOPs
  - Process improvements across systems (Rippling and others)
Support audits, reporting, and system enhancements as needed

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

4-7 years of in-house payroll and benefits management experience, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and a strong ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with precision, accuracy, and full compliance with applicable regulations.
Strong multi-state US payroll experience required; global exposure preferred
Experience in ADP, UKG, Ceridian, Paylocity OR similar HRIS and payroll software. We use Rippling as our HRIS, so if you have that experience - that is the cherry on top!
Experience managing employee benefits programs (health insurance, 401k, etc.) and knowledge of benefits compliance regulations.
High attention to detail with an emphasis on accuracy and compliance in payroll and benefits administration.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees and management.
Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
Strong understanding of payroll and benefits regulations and compliance, including tax laws, employee benefits programs, and deductions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, balancing payroll, benefits administration, and other HR functions in a dynamic environment.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines consistently.

Benefits

Competitive base salary, plus opportunity for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance
Employer subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage + EAP and other supplemental benefits
Self-managed paid time off and paid holidays
401K plan and matching program
Work from home with reimbursements for work-related expenses
Company-provided computer
Paid volunteer program

About Rep Data

Rep Data consists of a group of experienced industry veterans looking to revolutionize the survey data and sampling process. Our clients include the world’s top management consultancies, market research agencies, and brands. Our mission is to make our clients’ research process easier and to be a reliable, repeatable data collection partner - for life! If you are passionate about delighting customers and simplifying the inherent complexities of data collection, we want to hear from you!

At Rep Data, we recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All employees and contractors of Rep Data are responsible for maintaining a work culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with kindness and respect.

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