Payroll & Benefits Services Manager

Position Information Open Competitive recruitment to create an eligibility list for upcoming vacancy. Successful candidates are expected to work eight (8) hours a day, five (5) days a week, and twelve (12) months per school year. Candidates must submit proof of all required documents to be considered for the recruitment process. Duration of eligibility list Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list that will remain valid for six months from the date of approval by the Personnel Commission. GENERAL PURPOSE Under general policy direction, manages, plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the activities, operations and personnel of the Payroll Department and the Benefits Section and performs related duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This single-position class is responsible for managing, directing and integrating the activities and operations of the Payroll Department and the Benefits Section. With policy direction and guidance from the Controller, the incumbent is responsible for directing the payroll activities for certificated and classified personnel; directing the health, vision, dental, life and long care insurance benefit programs for classified and certificated employees and retirees; establishing, implementing and maintaining an automated payroll accounting system and maintain payroll records. Responsibilities are broad and diverse in scope and require a high degree of independent judgment and discretion. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. Plans, organizes, controls, implements, monitors and evaluates work plans to achieve department mission, goals and performance measures; directs the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budget; manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of work programs, plans, processes, systems and procedures to achieve District and department goals, objectives and performance measures consistent with the District. Plans, directs and evaluates the performance of assigned supervisors and staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Personnel Commission laws and rules, human resources policies and collective bargaining agreements. Provides leadership and works with supervisors and staff to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practices that support the District's and department's mission, objectives and service expectations; provides leadership and participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment. Develops procedures and practices to ensure the timely preparation and processing of payroll timesheets; plans, organizes and supervises the administration of payroll and timekeeping activities for both certificated and classified employees of the District, including reconciliation of payroll and payroll deductions and the payment of payroll taxes and health and benefits providers. Directs the preparation, reconciliation and submissions of required payroll reports to federal and state agencies. Oversees the development and maintenance of an automated payroll system and associated manual payroll records documentation. Directs, audits and approves payroll documents, schedules and correspondence. Develops, implements and coordinates the District employee and retiree benefits programs, including health, dental , life, vision, long-term care and employee assistance programs; analyzes insurance coverage needs, researches insurance options and presents alternatives to benefits negotiators; together with brokers, negotiates annual premiums with health care providers and monitors compliance with contracts; coordinates eligibility, reviews contract language and resolves disputes, directs, assists in developing reviews and oversees distribution of benefit information to employees, including open enrollment letters and benefits notices. Serves as Benefit Advisor to Health and Welfare Committee and researches and analyzes impact of policy decisions on benefits e.g., increased coverage or changes in enrollment procedures. Encourages an environment that is sensitive and service oriented to assist employees with questions and concerns regarding insurance programs and payroll issues and provides counsel, direction, information and assistance to employees regarding insurance benefits programs or to those who are having problems with claims. Provides technical expertise, counsel and recommendations to District administrators, bargaining units, vendors or employees in insurance areas; analyzes and makes recommendations to administrators regarding general insurance contract provisions and exposures, verifies that proper insurance certificates are issued and received; communicates with District administrators, bargaining units, vendors and employees to distribute a variety of information. Develops, recommends, or approves policies and procedures and recommends new or revised policies and regulations affecting the payroll. Participates in the development and implementation of Division policies, procedures, and programs. Coordinates payroll activities and information with other departments such as finance, human resources, employee benefits, and workers' compensation, employees, employee organizations, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Interprets and implements relevant bargaining agreement provisions, Board of Education policies and Personnel Commission rules. Organizes and conducts workshops and training sessions for timekeepers, payroll and other staff. Implements provisions of applicable federal, state and District regulations and guidelines. Organizes and directs payroll, benefits and organizational planning and analysis. Confers with a variety of groups, including school administrators, and union representatives regarding payroll policies and procedures, including compensation policies and benefits. Conducts or oversees research regarding various complex payroll and fringe benefits issues and implements solutions or develops corresponding policy recommendations and procedure changes to address identified problems. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles and practices of payroll and fringe benefits administration. Provisions of the Education Code and other laws and regulations relative to wages, salaries, fringe benefits, and deductions. Federal, State and county payroll, tax and accounting guidelines, regulations, policies and practices, procedures and labor laws. Principals and practices of effective management and supervision. Training methods and techniques. Research methods and analysis techniques. Information technology and computer capabilities applicable to functional responsibilities. The District's human resources policies and labor agreements Methods, practices, terminology and procedures used in Benefits and Payroll Administration Modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Ability to: Plan, organize, manage and integrate the activities of a large school district Payroll Department. Establish departmental goals and performance metrics. Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials. Understand, interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, codes, policies and procedures. Prepare and present proposals and recommendations clearly and logically in public meetings. Select, train, supervise and evaluate personnel. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Operate a computer and standard business software. Organize, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned people and customers. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work. Education, Training, and Experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration, accounting, finance or a closely related field; and at least five years of professional level experience involving the administration and management of payroll systems, at least three of which were in a management capacity; or some combination of education, training and experience that produces the requisite knowledge and ability. Experience in a public agency is preferred. Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements A valid California driver's license and evidence of insurability. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depend, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the selection authority to accommodate the limitation. FLSA Exempt position. Examination Information After the evaluation of minimum qualifications, examination parts for this recruitment may include, but are not limited to the following: scored supplemental questionnaire, written exam, performance exam, oral appraisal interview, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. Applicants must submit a full application. This includes proof of education claimed by candidate in the application, a valid California driver's license and proof of auto insurance. Failure to submit a complete application will result in disqualification from this recruitment. The Personnel Commission reserves the right to change, alter, cancel, add or modify examination parts, as well as weights and dates. #J-18808-Ljbffr Montebello Unified School District