Payroll And Benefits Specialist

Job Title

Under the direction and supervision of the Finance Director, this position is primarily responsible for the accurate processing of the City's payroll and the maintenance of payroll records in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements. In addition, the role provides support in the administration of employee benefits throughout the employee lifecycle. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with City employees, retirees, and external vendors.

Essential Job Functions

Administers the full payroll cycle for all City employees, including data entry, auditing time records, processing pay adjustments, and issuing final paychecks.

Ensures payroll compliance with City policies, collective bargaining agreements, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Maintains accurate payroll and benefits records in the City's financial and human resource systems.

Processes new hire, promotion, transfer, separation, retirement and other payroll-related changes.

Assists in benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations, including coordination of open enrollment and communication with employees.

Reconciles monthly benefit invoices (health, dental, life, supplemental, ) and coordinates timely vendor payments.

Supports employees and retirees by responding to payroll and benefits questions and assisting with forms, claims, and documentation.

Assists with retirement counseling and the coordination of pension documentation and benefits applications.

Processes and tracks payroll-related deductions such as garnishments, child support, tax levies, and voluntary benefits.

Generates and distributes reports related to payroll, benefits, accruals, and compliance as needed for auditing or budgeting purposes.

Prepares quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and reports including W-2s, 1095-Cs, and related ACA documentation.

Supports internal and external audits by preparing records, schedules, and explanations related to payroll and benefits.

Stays current with payroll and benefits legislation and best practices; makes recommendations for process improvements.

Researches and prepares specialized reports for senior management's use.

Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Ksa's

Education and Experience: Associate's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (Bachelor's Degree preferred); at least three (3) years of payroll processing and/or accounting experience utilizing payroll software, preferably in a government setting; approximately two (2) years of benefits administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Valid Florida Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• Payroll certification such as FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred.
• Knowledge in BS&A Cloud-Based Payroll preferred.
• Payroll, human resources, collective bargaining, and Florida Retirement System knowledge preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and ability to apply this knowledge to work situations.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, City ordinances, and policies regarding personnel.
• Knowledge of business English and mathematics.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of payroll best practices.
• Knowledge of Florida Retirement System (FRS) and other public sector benefit plans.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and how they impact payroll and benefits.
• Skill in effective communication both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software programs.
• Ability to prepare complete and accurate accounting reports and statements of considerable complexity based on standard accounting practices.
• Ability to operate a computer and
• Ability to operate office equipment as
• Ability to compile records, to assemble and organize data, and to prepare reports from such
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City Staff members, and the general public.
• Ability to operate various office equipment such as, but not limited to, computer, copier, multi- line telephone.

Additional Information

The work is sedentary work, which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires standing or sitting for sustained periods of time; walking or moving from one work site to another; manual dexterity to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers; mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes; hearing to receive detailed information and to make the discrimination in sound; and the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required:

• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Work is typically performed in a safe and secure work environment that may experience periodical unpredicted requirements or demands.