Payroll and Employee Benefits Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

In your role as the Payroll & Employee Benefits Specialist, you will be responsible for managing payroll processing and benefits administration while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role requires knowledge of and adherence with local, state, and federal labor laws and tax regulations. The ideal candidate possesses strong attention to detail, knowledge of prevailing wage payroll procedures, a comprehensive understanding of HR best practices, and will be able to provide excellent employee support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll & General Accounting

• Process weekly payroll, ensuring accuracy in deductions, fringes, garnishments, state and local taxes, etc.
• Address and resolve employee timesheet inquiries, discrepancies, and ensure accuracy in reported hours.
• Review and adjust time off balances to ensure adherence to company policy and accuracy in payroll records and HRIS.
• Process and reconcile weekly state and federal tax withholdings.
• Ensure compliance with payroll-related federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including preparation of prevailing wage reports, FLSA, and tax requirements.
• Manage 401(k) administration, including John Hancock contribution withholding reports and loan adjustments.
• Oversee and reconcile payments for employee benefits, including medical insurances, life insurance and MetLife quarterly PFML reports.
• Reconcile monthly banking statements to ensure financial accuracy.
• Lead quarterly and annual payroll-related state and federal reporting, including the preparation and submission of W-2s, 1099s, and 1095s.

Benefits Administration

• Manage all aspects of employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), etc., in coordination with our brokers.
• Administer leave of absence programs and policies in compliance with federal and state employment laws (FMLA, OFLA, Paid Leave Oregon etc.).
• Oversee additional employee benefits, such as Refer & Earn program and fitness reimbursements.

General Human Resources

• Support managers in the recruitment and selection process for open positions.
• Lead new hire onboarding, ensuring accurate set up in payroll and HRIS.
• Collaborate with managers to support and enhance employee performance initiatives.
• Complete monthly workers compensation filings and reports, while managing workers compensation claims effectively.
• Actively participate in safety committee to promote workplace safety initiatives.
• Maintain and oversee HRIS system, ensuring employee records are accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate and oversee employee training programs and continuing education, including field safety training.
• Respond to unemployment claims and keep clear records of documentation. 
• Lead the offboarding process for terminated employees, ensuring a smooth transition for team and management.

EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS/LICENSES

• Previous experience in prevailing wage payroll processing (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Human Resources, or related field (preferred).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong organization, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with excellent attention to detail, ensuring high level of accuracy.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to learn and master various software, prior experience in Sage and HH2 preferred.
• Understanding of state and federal employment laws and regulations applicable to payroll, employee benefits, and HR best practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move up to 40 lbs. occasionally.
• Sitting (or driving) in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), i.e.: using a keyboard.
• Ability to see within normal parameters.
• Ability to hear within normal range.
• Ability to speak and make oneself heard from arm’s length distance.

AUSLAND’S MISSION

To make clients prosper though development services for buildings, structures, urban places, and civil infrastructure.

AUSLAND’S VISION

To bring world class development, locally scaled for our community.

CORE VALUES

Demonstrates, through behavior, Ausland’s values of Integration, Innovation, Resourcefulness and Tenacity.

BENEFITS

• Competitive pay
• Health Insurance
• $15,000 complimentary life insurance policy
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with and 4% company match opportunity 
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Monthly gym membership reimbursement 
• Paid professional memberships, licensure, and career development
• Company celebrations and social events
• Annual employee recognition and swag gifts
• Flexible work environment accommodations, valuing work-life balance
• and much more…

EEO STATEMENT

Ausland Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join our team.