Payroll/Benefits Clerk

Payroll/Benefits Clerk

The Payroll/Benefits Clerk is responsible for compiling, reviewing and processing bi-weekly payroll and supplemental payroll submittals timely and accurately in accordance with approved policies and procedures and to ensure coding compliance. The Payroll/Benefits Clerk serves as the primary point of contact for providing exceptional customer service to employees with questions regarding payroll, benefits, or retirement. This position coordinates with internal and external departments regarding questions/issues encountered during the processing of bi-weekly payroll timesheets. Responsible for auditing payroll documentation to ensure policy compliance. Presents and promotes benefit and wellness information throughout the plan year. May be assigned other job-related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Compiles, reviews and processes bi-weekly payroll and supplemental payroll submittals timely and accurately in accordance with approved policies and procedures and to ensure coding compliance. Responsible for identifying and resolving all payroll discrepancies, and for validating payroll data prior to submitting for final payroll authorization to meet department deadlines. Ensures compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by understanding basic wage and hour regulations on hours worked and overtime payments. Works with internal and external staff during the payroll preparation process.
• Serves as primary point of contact for providing customer service to employees with questions regarding payroll, benefits, or retirement. Gathers and reviews documents that are needed to resolve issues and attempts to find a solution on the issue before contacting the County Auditor's Payroll Department or Human Resources and Talent – Benefits and Wellness Department. Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing to internal and external customers.
• Performs the bi-weekly payroll audit function by reviewing payroll documentation, determines if information is in compliance with payroll policies and procedures and updates the payroll tracker spreadsheet with validated payroll data.
• Presents benefit and wellness information throughout the plan year and provides assistance during the annual Open Enrollment period and during qualifying life events. Assists with educating employees and retirees about benefit changes and updates for the new benefit plan year and provides technical assistance with the online Open Enrollment STARS platform.
• Performs benefit and wellness presentations during new hire orientation. Provides an overview of all available County benefits and answers questions. Informs the new hires on how to locate the online benefits and wellness information website and to all available resources.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities: This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Minimum two (2) years' experience in payroll processing and/or benefits administration support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Highly organized, accurate data entry skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to learn new software programs and office equipment when needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use good judgment and tact when handling confidential materials.
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and adapt to changing demands and requests.
• Ability to learn Harris County/HCTRA policies and procedures to include payroll processes and procedures and all Harris County benefits

Physical Demands: The position frequently requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of paper or books (up to 10 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required.

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

Position Type and Typical Hours Work: This is a full time position. Typical hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department. Work Environment: There are no major sources of discomfort. A normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air condition is provided. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reporting Relations: Reports To Position: Manager, Assistant Manager, Supervisor, Lead

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.