Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

*Potential for hybrid work after training requirement

Our Company

More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life.

Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably.

Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees.

Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package.

Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance.

*Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups

Position Purpose

Provide quality service to employees, retirees, and dependents by assisting with the coordinating of the timely and accurate payment of wages and salaries to all employees consistent with company goals, budgetary constraints, plan documents, policies, prior practice, established procedures, union contracts and state and federal payroll laws and regulations. Provide quality service to internal customers by assisting with the analyzing, implementing and administering employee benefit plans for all employees, retirees, and dependents consistent with company goals, budgetary constraints, plan documents, policies, prior practice, established procedures, union contracts and state and federal regulations. Provide quality HR generalist support consistent with Company policies and the individual needs of staff members.

Principal Accountabilities

Time %

End Results

35%

Payroll:

• Provide backup of payroll processing with coordinating the timely and accurate preparation and balancing of all weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly and monthly payrolls for all companies and employees through the processing of time entries, and entering and verifying pay, taxes and deductions from pay.
• Ensure the timely and accurate communication of payroll related information to internal departments, third party vendors and regulatory agencies through the transmittal of files and reports via paper, fax and electronic media.
• Assist with accurate maintenance of electronic and paper files and records in accordance with Sarbanes Oxley audit requirements and established procedures.
• Assist with weekly funding and reporting requirements.

35%

Benefits:

• Provide backup support of all employee benefit plans and programs; (401(k), medical, dental, vision, basic life, supplemental life, basic AD&D, supplemental AD&D, LTD, HSAs, FSA, COBRA, educational assistance), by maintaining accurate records of enrollments, changes and terminations and by the timely and accurate payment of insurance premiums and communication of employee changes with third party vendors.
• Provide accurate communication to individual employees and retirees regarding their benefits including benefits orientation for new employees, retirement counseling COBRA notices, etc.
• Assist with annual update of the Summary of Benefits, and HR Benefits Website.

20%

Administration:

• Responds to unforeseen situations and undertakes and completes assignments and special projects as assigned by supervisor or manager.
• Works with vendor to resolve HRIS problems, unexpected results or process flaws.
• Assists in payroll processing and benefits administration training and development efforts.
• Review, process and submit ADP and benefits invoices for the Total Rewards department.
• Provide support to the Total Rewards group as needed.
• HR generalist support including payroll, benefits, and invoice reconciliation
• Data analyst: Create, prepare, and deliver reports

10%

Special projects or tasks as assigned by management

n/a

Storm Assignment: Support operations during storm restoration efforts and other system emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree or equivalent HR or payroll experience.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of personal employee information.
• Regular travel throughout the company's service territories in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire is required.
• High degree of judgement, efficiency and organization with strong personal computer skills including proficiency in Excel, Word, and Access.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional listening and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility.
• Dedication to providing exceptional customer service to all Unitil past, current and future employees.

Unitil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Last updated: 6/29/26