Payroll and Benefits Associate

Payroll and Benefits Associate / Specialist

Location: St. Petersburg, FL | Hybrid, minimum two days in the office per week

Salary: $52,000–$80,000, depending on experience and suitability for the Associate or Specialist level. Candidates with salary expectations slightly above this range may also be considered, provided they are comfortable with the full scope and hands-on nature of the role.

The Company

International Management Solutions Inc. is an accounting and consulting firm committed to supporting European companies as they navigate the complexities of doing business in the USA. Our role is to serve as a trusted partner, guiding our clients through the unique challenges they may face when setting up operations in a new market.

The Role

IMS is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Payroll and Benefits professional to strengthen our client services and contribute to the continued development of our payroll and benefits function.

We are open to candidates at different stages of their careers, from a capable Associate looking to develop their experience and take on greater responsibility, through to an experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist who can bring additional expertise, structure and leadership to the function.

This is a varied, hands-on and highly collaborative role, working closely with our accounting team, clients, payroll providers, benefits suppliers and tax authorities. Our accounting team is responsible for processing client payrolls, while your role will be to provide oversight, review the work being produced, help colleagues understand what is required and ensure all aspects of the payroll and benefits process are properly coordinated.

A key part of the role is understanding the bigger picture and being able to identify what needs to happen, what information is missing and what questions need to be asked. Many of our clients are new to the U.S. employment landscape and won't necessarily know what they need to consider or provide. You will need to be able to anticipate requirements, guide clients through the process, identify gaps and ensure nothing important is overlooked.

There is also considerable coordination involved. You will be dealing with queries, following up with clients and suppliers, liaising with tax authorities and working with internal colleagues to keep things moving. Issues are not always particularly complex, but they do require someone who is responsive, organised, resourceful and willing to take ownership rather than wait for someone else to move things forward.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in doing things properly and is comfortable balancing independent responsibility with close teamwork. You should be naturally curious, willing to ask questions and happy to get involved in the detail when needed.

Why work for IMS?

Impactful Work: Play a central role in helping international businesses establish and grow successfully in the U.S. market.

Career Growth & Development: Excellent opportunity to grow and play an active role in developing and expanding the payroll and benefits function, improving processes, enhancing service delivery and exploring new service opportunities.

Flexibility: Enjoy hybrid working

Collaborative Culture: Join a friendly, multinational and supportive team that values initiative, accountability, communication and teamwork.

Comprehensive Benefits: Generous healthcare coverage, 401(k) and 20 days PTO.

Primary Responsibilities

The role will involve working closely with the wider accounting team, clients and external providers to ensure payroll and benefits matters are handled accurately, efficiently and proactively.

• Payroll oversight and review: Review payrolls prepared by the accounting team, checking for accuracy, completeness and compliance with relevant requirements.
• Team guidance and development: Work collaboratively with the wider accounting team, providing practical guidance, sharing knowledge and contributing to the training and development of colleagues. Help build the team's understanding of US payroll and benefits requirements.
• Client and stakeholder coordination: Act as a key point of contact for payroll and benefits queries, working with clients, colleagues, payroll providers, benefits suppliers and tax authorities to resolve matters and keep processes moving.
• Issue resolution and follow-through: Investigate payroll discrepancies, tax notices and other issues, identify what information or action is required, and take ownership of matters through to resolution.
• Proactive client support: Look beyond the immediate task to identify missing information, potential issues and requirements clients may not be aware of. Ask the right questions and help clients understand their responsibilities.
• Payroll and benefits administration: Coordinate multiple client payrolls, payment schedules, deadlines and related administrative requirements. Support the setup and administration of employee benefits, including healthcare and 401(k) arrangements.
• Process improvement: Help maintain and improve internal processes, ensuring work is organised, consistent and delivered to a high standard.

What We Are Looking For

We are open to candidates at different stages of their careers, from a strong Associate looking to develop their skills through to an experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist.

Key skills:

• Experience with U.S. payroll, including multi-state requirements, through direct processing, setup and/or oversight.
• Experience coordinating or managing payrolls across multiple clients.
• An understanding of U.S. payroll tax compliance and employee benefits administration, including healthcare and 401(k) arrangements.

·        Familiarity with payroll platforms such as ADP or Paychex.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines and follow-ups.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• A practical, resourceful approach to problem-solving, with the confidence to investigate issues, ask questions and find solutions.
• The ability to see the bigger picture, identify gaps and anticipate what needs to happen next, rather than simply completing the task in front of you.
• A strong sense of ownership and accountability, with the ability to work independently, use initiative and follow matters through to completion.
• A collaborative mindset and genuine willingness to share knowledge, support colleagues and contribute to the wider team.
• A desire to learn, develop and take on increasing responsibility, with an interest in building a long-term career with IMS.

Phone screenings will commence immediately and will generally take place between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday. We may contact shortlisted candidates at short notice for an initial screening, so please ensure you keep an eye on your messages/emails.

Weekend screening calls may also be available. If you are available for a weekend call, please indicate this in your application.