Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Northwest Hardwoods is seeking a talented Payroll & Benefits Administrator to support the administration and management of the company's payroll and employee benefit programs. This position is responsible for processing accurate and timely multi-state biweekly payroll, maintaining time and attendance records, administering payroll deductions and garnishments, and supporting payroll audits and compliance requirements. The role also supports benefits administration, employee communications, vendor coordination, and leave management.

This position will serve as a primary point of contact for third-party vendors, HR team members, and employees, providing guidance and support in resolving moderately complex payroll, benefits, and employee-related issues. The role will also provide insights and recommendations to support the design, modification, implementation, and ongoing improvement of benefit plans and programs.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Payroll Administration (50%):

• Managing time and attendance reporting with a focus on accuracy.
• Process multi-state bi-weekly payroll in a timely manner. Process ad hoc payrolls and checks as needed.
• Perform comprehensive payroll audits and validation checks, including pre-payroll and post-payroll reviews.
• Administer wage garnishments, levies, and other required payroll deductions in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Ensuring strict compliance with company policies and relevant legislation in all payroll & benefits activities.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation while ensuring confidentiality of employee information.
• Serve as a point of contact for leave-related payroll questions, coordinating with employees, HR, and third-party vendors to ensure accurate benefit deductions and continuation of coverage during leaves of absence.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, processes, documentation, and employee support

Benefits Administration (50%):

• Support the administration, coordination, and maintenance of employee benefit programs and documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies, plan provisions, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with employees by serving as a knowledgeable resource for benefit-related matters, delivering accurate information, and providing educational support and partnership to both employees and multiple vendors.
• Monitor program expenses and propose recommendations to optimize organizational expense management.
• Actively seek and create process improvements and enhance employee satisfaction, offering recommendations to supervisors and HRBPs in alignment with the organization's overall goals and mission.
• Stay current with developments, advancements, and trends in Benefits Administration, applicable regulatory requirements, policies, and legal guidelines affecting employer-sponsored benefits, integrating acquired knowledge into current work practices.
• Contribute to the development of effective internal controls that ensure compliance with state and federal laws, including organizational accreditation requirements.
• Conduct audits of benefits programs to ensure alignment with compliance and eligibility requirements outlined in benefit plan documents and procedures.
• Utilize appropriate mechanisms to communicate all benefits, educating employees on available programs.
• Support employees, HR, management, and vendors with benefit-related matters associated with leaves of absence, including benefit continuation and payroll deduction impacts.
• Support annual benefit enrollment including benefit plan setup, process audits, election audits, and supporting employees throughout the process.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associates degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Payroll administration experience.
• Experience with Benefits Administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in payroll, benefits, data entry, and recordkeeping
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to support employees and managers professionally

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience using Paylocity.
• Experience working with third party vendors such as Vanguard, benefit brokers, and Mutual of Omaha.

Total Rewards:

• Competitive salary
• Bonus opportunity based on company and individual performance
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability
• 401k Retirement Saving with Company Match
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Additional Information:

NWH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.