People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist

Show Map Location 6163 NW 86th Suite 105,Johnston, IA, 50131,United States Base Pay $70,000.00 - $82,500.00 / Year Employee Type Exempt Required Degree 4 Year Degree Manage Others No Description The People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist is a hands-on member of the People & Culture team with primary responsibility for payroll and compensation administration . This role ensures employees are paid accurately and timely, compensation practices are competitive and equitable, and payroll and compensation processes are compliant, efficient, and well maintained. In addition to payroll and compensation, this role supports broader Total Rewards programs, HRIS administration, reporting and analytics, compliance, and day-to-day People & Culture initiatives. This position requires strong attention to detail, analytical ability, sound judgment, discretion, and a willingness to step into a variety of People & Culture needs. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, solving problems, and knowing when a situation can be handled directly versus when it should be escalated to the appropriate member of the People & Culture team. The People & Culture Total Rewards Specialist partners closely with the VP of People & Culture and the broader People & Culture team to support an accurate, compliant, competitive, and positive employee experience. Payroll Administration & Compliance - Manage accurate and timely payroll processing, including reviewing, auditing, reconciling, and validating payroll inputs, timekeeping, earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, and employee changes.Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee or leader questions related to pay and timekeeping.Ensure payroll practices and records comply with applicable federal and state requirements and support audit and year-end reporting needs. Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve payroll issues and identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, controls, automation, and efficiency. Compensation Administration & Analysis – Support the organization’s compensation programs, including pay ranges, salary adjustments, job data, promotions, and other compensation changes.Assist with the annual compensation processes, including merit planning, salary reviews, and pay adjustments.Conduct market benchmarking and internal equity analysis to support competitive and equitable compensation decisions.Maintain accurate compensation data and provide analysis and recommendations to support leadership decision-making. HRIS, Reporting & Data Management - Serve as a key resource for payroll, compensation, and employee data within UKG Ready, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.Develop and maintain HR reports and dashboards and provide data analysis to support organizational and leadership needs.Support HRIS testing, system enhancements, reporting improvements, and process optimization.Identify opportunities to leverage technology and automation to improve HR processes, reporting, and data accuracy. Total Rewards Support - Support the administration and evaluation of Total Rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, recognition, employee surveys, and related initiatives.Assist with Total Rewards analysis, reporting, communications, and projects that support a competitive and positive employee experience.Partner with the VP of People & Culture to identify opportunities to enhance Total Rewards programs and practices. Compliance, Audit & Process Improvement - Support compliance, audit, and reporting requirements related to payroll, compensation, benefits, HR records, and employment practices.Monitor relevant regulatory changes and assist with maintaining compliant HR practices and documentation.Identify and implement process improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience.Utilize UKG Ready, Excel, AI, automation, and other technology to improve People & Culture processes and decision-making. Knowledge & Skills Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll, human resources, compensation, or a related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience administering payroll, including payroll processing, auditing, reconciliation, troubleshooting, and resolving payroll issues. Experience administering compensation programs, including salary adjustments, pay ranges, job data, compensation reviews, or market benchmarking. Experience working with an HRIS and maintaining accurate employee and payroll data. Experience preparing HR reports, analyzing data, and using information to support business decisions. Experience interpreting and applying HR policies, payroll requirements, and employment regulations. Experience supporting process improvements, system enhancements, or automation initiatives. Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered. Professional certifications are preferred but not required, including: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

SHRM-CP

PHR Other payroll, compensation, or HR-related certifications Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build trusted relationships with employees, leaders, and internal partners. Ability to communicate complex payroll, compensation, and HR data in a clear and understandable manner. Strong customer service mindset with the ability to respond effectively to employee and leader needs. Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and compensation information. Strong collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across People & Culture, and organizational leadership. Ability to influence decisions through data, insights, and thoughtful recommendations. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions. Other Skills: Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and dashboard creation. Demonstrated ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance data analysis, automate routine tasks, and support informed decision-making. Hands-on experience with UKG Ready or similar HRIS/payroll platforms, including payroll processing, reporting, data management, and system audits preferred. Strong knowledge of payroll practices, compensation principles, Total Rewards programs, and HR compliance requirements. Ability to analyze workforce data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in complex and confidential processes. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. Experience identifying process improvements and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Ability to support HR technology enhancements, reporting improvements, and process optimization initiatives. Why Community Choice? At Community Choice Credit Union, we're not interested in doing things the way they've always been done. We're UNbankers — and that means challenging the traditional approach, finding better ways to serve our members and employees, and bringing energy and creativity to everything we do. As a member of our People & Culture team, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience for over 180 UNbankers, while working alongside a team that values collaboration, innovation, accountability, and having a little fun along the way. If you're someone who loves payroll and compensation but also wants to be part of the bigger picture of HR , we'd love to hear from you. Work Authorization/Sponsorship – At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links. Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants Community Choice Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kids for the Future