Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Role Description

SMBC is seeking a Benefits and Payroll Specialist who has a strong passion for employee benefits and payroll-related activities and is interested in building a career at a fast growing and reputable Bank. The Benefits and Payroll Specialist will facilitate third-party benefit provider relationships and partner with vendors to administer leaves of absence, pension schemes, and other benefits claims. They will be given opportunities to participate in policy interpretation, eligibility determination, and day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefits, retiree programs, and well-being initiatives. You will play a key role in coordination of payroll data and reconcile benefits-related deductions to ensure compliance with Irish regulations.

This role will report to the Director of Benefits.  

Role Objectives: Delivery

• Support employee benefits programs (e.g., health coverage, life assurance, pension schemes, EAP, paid time off) and related activities (e.g., open enrolment, benefits communications, SuccessFactors integration).
• Liaise with third-party benefit providers to process invoices, standard leaves of absence, and other benefits claims.
• Communicate and relay policy interpretation, eligibility determination, and day-to-day administration of benefits and wellness programs tailored to Ireland-specific needs.
• Manage monthly payroll processing by gathering all pay inputs, coordinating with payroll providers, and reviewing benefit-related deductions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support benefits-related audits and governance activities, including oversight of the Tralee Pension Scheme.
• Demonstrate familiarity with local business operations and key stakeholders to support day-to-day benefits and payroll administration.
• Serve as an initial point of contact to resolve benefits inquiries in real-time.
• Collaborate with compensation, payroll, and finance teams to ensure accurate processing of interrelated transactions (e.g., medical deductions, leave impacts on bonus eligibility).
• Identify and implement opportunities for increased centralization, efficiency, and automation of routine processing activities.
• Partner with HR and external vendors to coordinate benefits activities, including wellness initiatives and open enrolment campaigns.
• Communicate effectively with external vendors to resolve inquiries and support vendor selection through basic cost and service analyses.
• Demonstrate foundational understanding of Ireland-specific benefits and payroll processes to improve tactical and operational administration.
• Utilize technical applications (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, SuccessFactors) and develop new skills to enhance efficiency and automation.
• Maintain working knowledge of Irish employment laws and regulatory requirements (e.g., pension governance, audits, data privacy) to support compliance. 
• Stay informed on trends and developments in benefits and HR through training, workshops, and professional publications.

Qualifications and Skills

• Recommended experience: 3–5 years in Human Resources and Benefits, with direct experience in benefits administration that includes coordination with payroll processes. Ireland-specific experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially in reporting and documentation.
• Strong understanding of Irish employment regulations and pension governance.
• Familiarity with payroll processes and benefits-related deductions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across teams in different time zones.
• Experience with SuccessFactors or similar HRIS platforms is a plus
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a self-motivated and disciplined approach to learning and working.
• Ability to work in a team environment and demonstrate leadership skills when needed.
• Possess a highly developed sense of personal accountability and follow-through with an ability to effectively prioritize multiple personal tasks, projects, and goals

Additional Requirements