Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Summary:

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist will oversee and supervise the payroll functions of the organization, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations. This position assists employees with benefits enrollment and questions, verifies all insurance billing, and ensures compliance with required benefit notices. This role will also

play a part in the Safety efforts of the organization.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing and accounting systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including hourly timecards, salaries, leaves and benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors or running system audits such as on SOC codes and 401k deferrals, etc.
• Investigates 401K payroll errors and facilitates annual 401K audit.
• Administer various employee benefits programs including HSA program.
• Ensure new hire enrollments and special enrollments are opened and completed appropriately.
• Lead for benefits site open enrollment testing and site administration.
• Verify the calculation of the monthly premium statements for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data relative to premiums, claims and costs. Resolve administrative problems with the carrier representatives.
• Maintain benefits site and COBRA site rates are up to date and correct.
• Coordinate workers' compensation claims with insurance company. Follow up on claims.
• Lead safety audits for multiple worksites.
• Responsible for annual OSHA reporting and monthly safety updates.
• Manage and assist employees with our expense management system.
• Administer FMLA and disability claims, and life insurance claims directly with employees.
• Prepare and help employees obtain information and understand company benefits. Ensure distribution of required employee notices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, or related field preferred.
• At least three to five years of experience running payroll for a medium size organization.
• At least two years of experience administering benefits.
• At least two years of handling FMLA, other leaves, and worker's compensation claims.
• Experience with Audits preffered.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Highly detail oriented a MUST
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Extensive knowledge of payroll functions including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.