The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, benefits and leaves in the US and Mexico. Responsible for payroll processing, tax filings, employee wellness benefits, 401k, workers compensation, and leave of absence administration. Answers and resolves team member questions within these areas. Serves as back-up to Payroll Administrator and Benefits and Leave Administrator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefit Administration:

• Partners with the HR team in the implementation of new benefit programs and the renewal of existing benefit programs.
• Assists in benefits administration including responding to employee questions, claims issues, new hire enrollment, mid-year status changes, terminations, COBRA notifications, leave payments and annual open enrollment.
• Responsible for monthly reconciliation of the benefit carrier invoices. Audits monthly benefit invoices and approves payment. Conducts regular audits to ensure accuracy in enrollments.
• Works with benefits carriers and vendors to resolve complex, non-routine, benefits-related requests/issues to closure Provide escalation support for leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Maintain knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Support with 401k and Worker’s Compensation administration, benefits compliance, and audits.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops that empower employees to understand and make the most of their payroll and benefits offerings.
• Prepares and files annual reports and distributes required annual notices

Other Administrative Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, coach, and develop direct reports to achieve team, department and company objectives.
• Oversees the employee leave of absences processes; ensures timely submittal of supporting paperwork, and timely communication with employees.
• In coordination with EHS, reviews and manages Workers’ Compensation incidents; oversees and manages claim reviews.
• Manages appropriate, compliant documentation and correspondence regarding leave of absence and worker’s compensation accommodations and restrictions.
• Ensures the maintenance of employee files (HRIS and on Share drive).
• Communicates with the Director of Talent Management on Recruiting and Training needs in Mexico.
• Ensures Mexico laws are followed and that HR policies are communicated to employees in Mexico.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned.

Payroll Administration:

In a back-up capacity:

• Processes weekly payroll ensuring accuracy on deductions, time keeping, corrections, final pay for terminated employees.
• Maintain data integrity by inputting and processing new hires, terminations, employee data, changes, garnishments, deductions, time-off requests.
• Process and report/file all quarterly and annual payroll taxes notices; makes corrections as needed.
• Be the main point of contact for external payroll partners in Mexico.
• Manage payroll US state tax issues.
• Manage audits and inquiries.
• Submittal of 401k deductions within 3 calendar days of processing payroll.
• Manage payroll benefit deductions, 401K deductions, HAS account set-up and manage.
• Create, review, and provide reports to stakeholders as requested; provide pay-related documents including statements and verifications as needed.
• Serve as main point of contact for all payroll-related questions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prepare and distribute annual reports; EEO-1, 1095 B/C forms, W2’s.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on payroll and benefit experience.
• Fluent Spanish speaker.
• Prior HR experience in Mexico preferred.
• Commitment to excellent client service and high standards.
• Effective communication skills, written and verbal.
• Knowledge of Mexico labor, benefit, and labor laws.
• Knowledge of State and Federal labor law as applicable to wage and hour, payroll, leave of absences, workers’ compensation and employee health and wellness benefits.
• Ability to work under general supervision in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines; multitask with a sense of urgency between competing tasks.
• Possess excellent Computer skills with a strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of products.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now, UKG, or Paylocity software highly preferred.
• Strong data entry, attention to detail, organization skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, cross-functionally.?
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) certification and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) highly preferred.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screening.
• Fosters good coworker citizenship and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Experienced in processing multi-state payroll and Mexico payroll.
• FMLA Administration experience and compliance.
• EEOC and Unemployment claims administration experience.
• Benefits vendor management and conducting annual open enrollments and plan renewals experience.
• 401K plan administration experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer.
• Ability to repeat motions, such as typing and filing.
• Ability to lift and carry to 15 lbs.
• Ability to travel to Mexico a minimum of 6 times a year.

M&D provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, military status, and genetic information.

This job posting does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their leader.