Total Rewards Specialist

ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation focused on helping students succeed. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ECMC Group and its family of companies provide financial tools and services, as well as funding for innovative programs to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. JOB SUMMARY: As a member of the Total Rewards team, the Total Rewards Specialist plays a multifaceted role in ensuring the accurate and timely execution of payroll processing, as well as providing foundational benefits administration. This position partners closely across the Total Rewards team to resolve discrepancies, uphold data integrity, and support the continuous enhancement of payroll and benefit processes. The ideal candidate is highly detail oriented, strong with numbers, and comfortable working in a collaborative environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide end-to-end processing of biweekly payroll (multi-state, exempt and non-exempt), ensuring accuracy and efficiency while maintaining full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations * Review and validate payroll inputs, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, timecards, and special earnings * Process off-cycle payrolls, adjustments, retroactive pay, involuntary deductions (garnishments, levies), and leave of absence payroll calculations. * Process employee benefits changes, including enrollments, elections, and terminations * Analyze, research, and summarize monthly eligibility data, resolving any data discrepancies or issues with vendors to ensure complete and accurate employee service * Independently handle tasks related to administration of commuter benefits * Develop a broad understanding of ECMC Group's HR policies, processes, technologies, tools and applications across various functional areas including benefits and payroll. * Respond promptly and professionally to employee and management inquiries related to payroll and benefits * Prepare ad hoc reports and support data analysis for internal stakeholders and external auditors * Assist with system testing, updates, and issue resolution in partnership with HRIS * Document procedures and contribute to payroll and benefits projects, process improvements, and cross-functional initiatives * Perform other duties as assigned REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field, or an additional 2 years of experience in lieu of degree * 2+ years of payroll experience using a large ERP system * Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management * Demonstrated ability to manage data accuracy, analyze variances, and resolve discrepancies * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite tools, particularly basic analytical functionality within Microsoft Excel PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Human Resources preferred * Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) * Benefits and/or leaves administration experience * Workday experience strongly preferred The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 annually. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, peer and market benchmarks, and geographic location. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ECMC Group also provides a comprehensive benefits package: * Health & wellness benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options, with a generous employer subsidy. Company paid life & disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts and robust wellness programs. * Financial benefits: Generous 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% and additional discretionary contribution potential, holiday time off, paid time off accrual starting at 20 days/year and commuter subsidy. * Education benefits: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,500/year for approved programs and student loan payment reimbursement up to $4,800/year. Up to $5,250 of qualifying education benefits can be reimbursed pre-tax.