Payroll and Benefits Specialist

About the Role

The Payroll/Benefits Specialist is part of the Administrative Services team, which includes Finance and Human Resources. This role is responsible for monitoring all tasks necessary to accomplish the organization's payroll and benefits processing objectives, including journal entry preparation, and ensuring the facility's pay structure is fair and equitable. Most of the time is spent planning, coordinating, and processing payroll, benefits, and various Human Resources functions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the entire payroll process, including updating the database, time clock data entry, processing checks, managing deductions, payroll taxes, payroll reports, annual reports, plus quarterly and yearly processing.
• Ensure timecards are completed accurately by department managers.
• Backup for Administrative Services Director in completing payroll journal entries for month-end.
• Assist Administrative Services Director with forecast and preparation of projected payroll and benefits data for the annual budget and provide data to the CEO for review.
• Ensure all department managers follow payroll policy and procedures.
• Assist with preparation and review of payroll & benefits budget analysis report after each bi-weekly payroll and at month-end; research discrepancies/variances with department managers and present findings to the CEO.
• Ensure all employees are classified to the proper department for cost reporting purposes.
• Review and recommend changes to the pay structure to ensure fair treatment of all employees.
• Enter all payroll increases annually and ensure all documents are signed by the employee and manager.
• Enter all status changes into the payroll system.
• Process longevity payments (1st pay in December), personnel leave day payout (1st pay in January), and insurance waiver (1st pay in February).
• Ensure personnel files are updated and maintained with appropriate payroll documentation in accordance with facility policy.
• Administer FMLA and COBRA benefits.
• Manage benefits including Section 125, Health Insurance, Delta Dental, COBRA, Life Insurance, and Disability, including month-end reconciliations to invoices.
• Complete DHS Employment Forms and requests for payroll information from other entities.
• Schedule in-person meetings with benefit-eligible employees to ensure timely completion of enrollment documents.
• Answer payroll and benefit inquiries and resolve discrepancies as they arise.
• Complete daily filing tasks.
• Participate in daily huddles with Human Resources to discuss priorities and develop plans to complete tasks.
• Complete assigned internal audits in Human Resources to ensure compliance.
• Serve as an essential member of the Employee Recognition team and assist with various employee recognition events.
• Co-Chair the BeWell Program with the Therapy Manager.

Requirements

• Prefer bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience plus specialized payroll & benefits experience (Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)). Specialization may be obtained after obtaining the position but no later than 3 years after.
• Excellent mathematical abilities.
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment, including Excel and demonstrated skills in database management and record keeping.
• Knowledge of payroll and benefit systems.
• Evidence of practicing a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to comprehend instructions, organize time, and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in routine.
• Competent with personal computers, spreadsheet software, standard office equipment (fax, copier, postage machine, etc.), and four-line phone systems.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 25 lb. when needed.
• Bends, lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls various equipment or residents throughout the workday.