Payroll/Benefits Coordinator

Town of Hudson is seeking a full-time Payroll/Benefits Coordinator for the Treasurer/Collector’s Office. This role requires strong communication skills, municipal knowledge, and proficiency in computer applications, with a focus on payroll and benefits. Vadar/Munis experience is desirable.

About the role

The Payroll/Benefits Coordinator performs routine to complex accounting and administrative duties in the maintenance and processing of all Town payroll transactions, contracts, and policies. This position manages the entire computerized municipal payroll system for the Town and School employees, calculates and supplies figures for all employee payroll deductions, and coordinates with the outside payroll vendor. The Benefits Coordinator manages and administers employee benefit programs, including health insurance and retirement plans, and assists employees with navigating options and processes. This role requires independent work to complete tasks according to a strict weekly schedule and involves frequent access to confidential employee personnel and financial data.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of technical accounting services in the processing of Town and School payroll.
• Verifies and enters payroll information for all Town departments, balances totals, and submits for processing.
• Programs all employee files, pay rate changes, legislative changes, and deductions into the computer.
• Ensures proper pay codes, scales, deductions, and correct calculations.
• Inputs, computes, and verifies accuracy of all departmental payrolls.
• Processes vouchers including federal and state taxes, wage garnishments, deferred compensation, and union dues.
• Stays abreast of changes in payroll, wage, and labor laws.
• Reconciles monthly, quarterly, and yearly withholdings.
• Receives and verifies changes in compensation, reviews weekly payment schedules, and makes corrections as needed.
• Prepares weekly deduction checks for withholdings and garnishments along with a weekly withholding report.
• Maintains and records all deductions for voluntary insurances after each payroll.
• Maintains and generates reports for Town services or departments, Finance Director, Treasurer/Collector, and Benefits Administrator.
• Updates employer records and processes/distributes all payroll checks.
• Conducts wage verifications for state agencies and financial institutions, as well as employment verification (I-9) and W-2s.
• Explains benefit information to employees, enters data accurately, and informs employees of changes to plan design and/or rates.
• Prepares, reconciles, and distributes W-2s annually.
• Assists Treasurer in balancing main depository account.
• Prepares monthly retirement reports for Middlesex County Retirement and Massachusetts Teachers Association.
• Assists other departments with payroll reporting and inquiries.
• Manages Flexible Spending Plans and Health Insurance Opt-Out program.
• Makes bank deposits in the absence of the Treasurer/Collector or their assistant.
• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in utilizing payroll software for large companies or municipalities; municipal payroll experience highly desirable.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered; Associate’s degree highly desirable.
• Must pass a credit check to be bonded.
• High proficiency in MS applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook; MS Access a plus.
• Ability to operate municipal financial and payroll software programs, spreadsheets, and word processing at a high proficiency level.
• Proven ability to extrapolate financial data, perform analysis, and create reports.
• Excellent typing, data entry, and ten-key calculator skills with 100% accuracy.
• Proven experience regularly utilizing ADP or other payroll systems.
• Ability to multi-task and utilize time management skills to maintain high-quality work.
• Excellent customer service and professional demeanor; frequent contact with employees, retirees, Town/School representatives, banking/financial institution representatives, vendors, and citizens.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and high ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Honesty, trustworthiness, respect, flexibility, cultural awareness, and professionalism.

Knowledge & Skills

• Standard payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting principles, procedures, records, and forms.
• Excellent mathematical skills with a requirement for 100% accuracy.
• Knowledge of office administration, procedures, practices, computers, and terminology.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

• Work is generally conducted indoors in an office environment with moderate noise and potential distractions.
• Physical demands include sitting at a desk for extended periods, intermittent stooping, walking, and standing.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to thirty (30) pounds without assistance.
• Operates standard office equipment including computers, printers, calculators, telephones, copiers, and facsimile machines.

Pay

$49,535 - $65,191 annually