Payroll & HR Operations Analyst

Description Company Description: Aspida is a tech-driven, nimble insurance carrier. Backed by Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager, we offer simple and secure retirement solutions and annuity products with speed and precision. More than that, we’re in the business of protecting dreams; those of our partners, our producers, and especially our clients. Our suite of products, available through our elegant and intuitive digital platform, focuses on secure, stable retirement solutions with attractive features and downside protection. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions and corporate development partner to Aspida. For more information, please visit www.aspida.com or follow them on LinkedIn . Who We Are: Sometimes, a group of people come together and create something amazing. They don’t let egos get in the way. They don’t settle for the status quo, and they don’t complain when things get tough. Instead, they see a common vision for the future and each person makes an unspoken commitment to building that future together. That’s the culture, the moxie, and the story of Aspida. Our business focuses on annuities and life insurance. At first, it might not sound flashy, but that’s why we’re doing things differently than everyone else in our industry. We’re dedicated to developing data-driven tech solutions, providing amazing customer experiences, and applying an entrepreneurial spirit to everything we do. Our work ethic is built on three main tenets: Get $#!+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun. If this sounds like the place for you, read on, and then apply at aspida.com/careers. What We Are Looking For: This role sits at the intersection of HR and Finance, and it is deliberately broad. You will own payroll and benefits administration end to end, serve as the day-to-day bridge between the People team and our Accounting and FP&A partners, and take on hands-on HR administrative work as the company grows. Roughly half the job is payroll. The other half is everything that surrounds it — reconciling and tying out payroll data for the monthly close, accruals and headcount reporting, vendor invoicing, audit support, benefits administration, and pitching in wherever the HR calendar demands it. Your work will land in the general ledger, in the budget, and in every employee’s paycheck, so accuracy and ownership are important. This role reports to the Sr. Compensation & Benefits Manager and is required to be onsite at our Durham office 3 days a week. What You Will Do: Payroll Ownership (approximately 45% of the role) • Own end-to-end processing of bi-weekly payroll, including off-cycle runs, bonuses, and final pay — accurately and on schedule, every cycle • Build, document, and continually improve a payroll audit checklist; own the pre-submission review that catches errors before they reach an employee • Manage all employee data changes: new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, tax withholdings, garnishments, and benefit deductions • Maintain multi-state payroll tax registrations and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as we expand into new jurisdictions • Serve as the first point of contact for employee payroll questions, resolving discrepancies quickly and communicating clearly and professionally • Partner with our payroll platform vendor on system configuration, reporting, upgrades, and issue resolution Finance & Accounting Partnership (approximately 30% of the role) • Own the payroll close package: reconcile the payroll register to funding, benefit invoices, and prior-period activity, and deliver Accounting complete, tied-out data to book • Meet every month-end close deadline and research and resolve any variance Accounting raises against the general ledger • Partner with FP&A on headcount reporting, compensation forecasting, accrual reporting, and annual planning • Support financial statement, 401(k), and workers’ compensation audits, along with regulatory filings including W-2s, ACA reporting, and Form 5500 • Manage HR-related invoicing and vendor payments; monitor the HR budget and proactively flag variances HR Operations & Administration (approximately 25% of the role) • Administer benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations; audit carrier files and reconcile monthly benefit invoices • Administer the 401(k) plan, including employee contributions, employer match, and census reporting • Run annual open enrollment alongside the Compensation & Benefits Manager, from communications through execution • Administer leave of absence and PTO tracking in compliance with federal and state leave laws • Maintain employee records and HRIS data integrity; produce ad hoc reports on request • Contribute to the broader HR calendar — onboarding logistics, compliance postings, employee questions, annual compensation cycle support, and whatever else the team needs during peak periods What We Provide: Salaried, DOE Relocation available Full-Time Full Benefits Package Available What We Believe: Not sure if you meet every qualification? We still encourage you to apply! We value inclusivity, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds, including non-traditional paths. Unique experiences enrich our team, and the willingness to dream big makes you an exceptional candidate! At Aspida Financial Services, LLC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, Aspida does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. Requirements What We Require: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or related field 3+ years of combined professional experience across any mix of payroll, accounting, or HR operations. Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations Attention to Detail Experience with Paylocity (preferred, not required) Analytical, problem solving and organizational skills. Interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Excel Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.