Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Retirement Benefits CoordinatorThe Payroll & Retirement Benefits Coordinator is CU*Answers' subject-matter expert for payroll, payroll tax, retirement benefits. The role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, keeps payroll and benefit records correct in all systems, and partners with HR and Accounting on compliance, reconciliations, and employee education. This role will provide payroll processing services for multiple company partners on a weekly basis.This position handles sensitive compensation data and critical funds. It requires sound independent judgment, strict confidentiality, and the ability to explain complex payroll, tax, and retirement plan rules clearly to employees and leadership.Essential Job FunctionsHandle general ledger entries, 401(k) distributions, tax reconciliations, and benefit-related payment processing and balancing.Oversee 401(k) administration, contributions, payroll deductions, and account reconciliation.Input and approve payroll and benefit record changes, additions, and terminations in all relevant systems.Maintain payroll documentation in accordance with RIM retention policies and collaborate with HR and Accounting on compliance.Process garnishments and other required payroll documentation as needed.Work with HR to manage payroll adjustments and premium payments related to FMLA leaves.Assist the Accounting team with account reconciliations, labor tracking, wage verification, and other assigned financial tasks.Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals and evolving business needs.Specialized Payroll KnowledgeSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP): payroll treatment of non-qualified deferred compensation, including Section 409A considerations, FICA timing, and W-2 reporting.Taxable fringe benefits: identifying and imputing income for non-cash benefits, most commonly spouse travel at CU*Answers.Personal use of company car: calculating and reporting imputed income using IRS-approved valuation methods.Moving expenses: treating employer-paid or reimbursed relocation costs as taxable wages, including grossing up when approved.Travel pay : determining when travel time is compensable for non-exempt employees under the FLSA and paying it correctly.Demonstrated 401(k) plan design experience is preferred, including eligibility, matching formulas, and vesting.At minimum, the ability to clearly articulate SECURE 2.0 provisions and their payroll impact, such as Roth catch-up requirements for higher earners, enhanced catch-up limits for ages 60–63, and automatic enrollment rules.Ability to explain plan features to employees in plain language during orientations and one-on-one questions.One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): ability to articulate the changes enacted for "no tax on overtime," including which overtime pay qualifies, the deduction limits and income phase-outs, and the employer's reporting obligations.Multi-state registration: experience registering for state income tax withholding in new states.Federal and state filings: working knowledge of Forms 940, 941, W-2, and W-3, and state quarterly wage and tax reports, including Michigan UIA 1028.Job SpecificationsAssociate's degree in business administration, accounting, or finance or equivalent work experience of 3-5 years direct payroll is required.Three to five years of payroll experience required.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to work independently with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external clients.Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a PC workstation, telephone, and copier.Commitment to the company mission and the seven cooperative principles.RequirementsWork Environment & Physical ActivitiesCU*Answers operates in a professional office building setting. Some job assignments at CU*Answers are primarily conducted within the office building(s) while others have moderate to extensive travel responsibilities as described in the Job Functions and/or Job Qualifications section(s) above. CU*Answers is committed to working with its employees to reasonably accommodate them with the physical aspects of the position.NoticeThis job description is not intended to be, nor should be construed as a contract for employment. CU*Answers makes no guarantee of permanent employment. This job description is to be used as a guideline to give the employee an understanding of what CU*Answers has defined this position to be.CU*Answers will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of qualified applicants unless to do so would cause an undue hardship. Disabled individuals who feel accommodation is needed to perform their job, or the job for which they have applied, must notify CU*Answers in writing of the need for reasonable accommodation within 180 days after the date the individual knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed. CU*Answers, thereafter, will make all reasonable accommodations unless to do so would pose an undue hardship.CU*Answers is willing to accommodate disabilities to the extent a financial service organization can without impacting financial control or member service. CU*Answers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.