Payroll & Benefits Administrator (Full-Time, Non-Exempt)

Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Are you a highly organized payroll and benefits professional who takes pride in getting the details right? ZooTampa is looking for a dependable, service-minded professional who can manage payroll and benefits administration with accuracy, urgency, confidentiality, and a strong commitment to supporting our team members.

In this role, you will play an important part in the employee experience by helping ensure our team members are paid accurately and on time, benefits are administered effectively, records remain compliant, and payroll and benefits questions are handled with professionalism and care.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have hands-on experience processing payroll and managing the details that come with payroll taxes, deductions, reporting, and HRIS records?
• Are you exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with confidential information where accuracy and deadlines matter?
• Do you enjoy being the person employees can rely on for timely, knowledgeable, and helpful answers to payroll and benefits questions?

If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today for immediate consideration and the opportunity to join the ZooTampa People Team.

We are moving quickly and anticipate filling this position by September 8, 2026.

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate, timely, compliant, and confidential administration of ZooTampa's bi-weekly payroll and employee benefits programs. This position manages payroll and HRIS records, oversees payroll tax and compliance reporting, serves as the primary resource for payroll and benefits inquiries, and supports Human Resources initiatives.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (Including but not limited to):

Payroll Administration

• Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll for all employees.
• Maintain payroll and personnel records within the HRIS and payroll systems.
• Administer the timekeeping system and audit employee timecards.
• Maintain PTO and Wellness leave accounts.
• Process payroll deductions, garnishments, and other authorized withholdings.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns and required tax documents via Paycor, including Forms W-2, W-3, and 1095.
• Ensure payroll records comply with applicable laws and organizational policies.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee health, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Coordinate benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, COBRA administration, and Open Enrollment.
• Maintain benefit records and payroll deductions.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and coordinate payments with Finance.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees and benefit vendors regarding benefits administration.
• Generate benefit reports, support audits, and recommend process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employee benefits laws and regulations.

Compliance & Reporting

• Prepare and submit EEO-1 and other required workforce reports.
• Respond to unemployment claims, employment verifications, and regulatory inquiries.
• Support payroll, tax, and benefits audits.
• Maintain confidential employee records in accordance with privacy and record retention requirements.
• Recommend improvements to payroll, benefits, and HRIS processes.

Human Resources Support

• Prepare employee identification badges.
• Prepare employee recognition items and related payroll entries.
• Provide administrative support to the Human Resources department.
• Serve as a resource for employee payroll and benefits inquiries.
• Participate in departmental initiatives, special projects, and other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of payroll, benefits, or human resources experience required.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and electronic timekeeping systems; Paycor experience preferred.
• Experience preparing payroll tax filings, year-end reporting, and government compliance reports preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll administration, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and employee benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of applicable employment and benefits laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, Section 125, and EEO reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong customer service skills and professional judgment.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to accuracy.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, special events, or other business-related assignments.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 4% company match
• Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!