Automatiq is looking for a detail-oriented and employee-focused Payroll & Benefits Specialist to own the operational backbone of our People function. This role is responsible for running accurate, compliant payroll; administering our equity program; managing leave processes; and ensuring employees have a seamless benefits experience from day one through their tenure.

You'll work closely with both the finance and HR team leadership to keep our programs running smoothly. In this high-ownership, high-trust individual contributor role, you will be a key member of our lean, agile HR team.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

Own end-to-end payroll processing for US employees (and contractors, as applicable) on a bi-weekly or semi-monthly cycle
Ensure payroll accuracy including salary changes, bonuses, garnishments, tax withholding, and retroactive adjustments
Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll data and maintain clean records for audits and reporting
Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements; flag compliance risks proactively
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies quickly
Support year-end processing including W-2s, ACA reporting, and any required tax filings
Manage and fulfill employment and income verification requests in a timely and accurate manner.
Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding pay discrepancies, tax questions, benefit inquires.

Equity Administration

Administer the company's equity program (stock options, RSUs, or similar) in partnership with Finance
Manage the cap table platform (e.g., Carta, Pulley) — process grants, exercises, cancellations, and terminations accurately and on schedule
Communicate equity details to employees clearly: grant notices, vesting schedules, exercise windows, and tax implications in plain language
Coordinate with Legal on 409A valuations, board approvals, and equity plan compliance
Maintain audit-ready equity records and ensure data integrity across systems

Leave Administration

Administer all leave programs including FMLA, state-specific leaves, parental leave, medical leave, and any company-specific policies
Serve as the primary contact for employees navigating leave — provide clear, empathetic guidance on eligibility, process, and pay continuity
Partner with managers and HR Business Partners to coordinate leave logistics, coverage planning, and return-to-work transitions
Track leave usage and maintain accurate records in the HRIS
Monitor regulatory changes across leave laws in states where we have employees; update policies and processes accordingly

Benefits Administration & Compliance

Own day-to-day benefits administration including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, life insurance, and ancillary programs
Manage open enrollment end-to-end: system configuration, employee communications, carrier coordination, and deadline tracking
Process qualifying life events promptly and ensure employees understand their options
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and escalate carrier issues on their behalf
Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and resolve billing discrepancies with carriers
Support benefits benchmarking and renewal analysis in partnership with the broker and HR leadership
Manage annual 401(k) compliance testing and coordinate with plan auditors to ensure timely filings and accuracy.

Unemployment Claims and State Taxes

Manage unemployment insurance claims, including coordinating with state agencies and responding to claims inquiries.
Oversee state and local tax compliance, including monitoring registration requirements, handling tax notices, and ensuring accurate tax withholding.

Other Support

Assist the Director of HR in maintaining pay bands and compensation structures, including updating salary ranges, maintaining compensation spreadsheets, and ensuring data accuracy across the HRIS platform
Pull and organize compensation data to assist in periodic pay reviews and market benchmarking analyses

Qualifications:

Required

3–5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, or HR operations — ideally with exposure to at least two of the four functional areas above
Hands-on experience with payroll software
Working knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax law and leave regulations (FMLA, state PFL, etc.)
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with experience analyzing datasets
Experience administering benefits programs including open enrollment coordination
Strong attention to detail — payroll and equity errors have real consequences for real people
Ability to handle sensitive employee data with discretion and professionalism
Clear, empathetic communicator — employees should feel informed and supported, not confused

Nice to Have

Experience with equity administration platforms (Carta, Pulley, or similar)
Exposure to equity plan mechanics: option types, vesting schedules, 409A, and related tax concepts
Experience in a high-growth startup or scale-up environment where programs are built, not just maintained
HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, CPP, or similar)
Familiarity with HRIS platforms (Rippling, Deel, Workday, BambooHR, or similar)

About Us

Automatiq is the leading all-in-one software platform in the live event ticketing world, serving resellers of all sizes. Our technology suite streamlines the entire ticket resale process, from effortlessly listing tickets on multiple exchanges to dynamically adjusting prices based on market shifts, and even ensuring tickets reach event-goers promptly.

We are data-driven and customer-obsessed as we work to solve interesting and complicated challenges in a fast-growing global market. We are equally relentless in maximizing our team’s career goals and aspirations by building a company of people who share the same drive and passion. If you are looking for a culture based on great people, technical excellence, and continued growth — where your contributions and ideas really do make a difference — come join us at Automatiq!

Automatiq is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Fair Chance Notice for California Applicants

Automatiq considers qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. Criminal history disclosure or background checks occur only after a conditional job offer.

A criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with the following duties of the role:

Access to sensitive financial and banking information, transaction data, privileged information, proprietary information, etc.
Interactions with customers, employees, vendors, agents, and third parties.

Such a history may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. If a conviction directly related to the job raises concerns, candidates will have the opportunity to explain circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or dispute the background report.