HR Specialist II

Description

Looking to join a growing company dedicated to helping others? We offer that, plus competitive salaries, a culture of learning, and a fast-paced environment. This is a hybrid position with 3 days in-office. Join our team to help make a difference in the lives of others! 

About Continental General:

The Continental General family of companies has provided insurance, including life and long-term care policies, to individuals and groups for over 30 years, and currently supports over 100,000 policyholders. Both our insurance company, Continental General Insurance Company, and our third-party administrator, Continental General Services, are committed to the continuous development of our infrastructure, processes, and people. The group is actively growing through expansion of both its insurance portfolio and its administrative services. With each opportunity, we take a collaborative approach to address challenges and provide unique solutions.

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented HR Specialist II with a focus on Payroll, Benefits, and Compliance to join our HR team. This key role will manage and oversee payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment regulations. You will work closely with both internal teams and external vendors to ensure a smooth, accurate, and efficient payroll cycle, as well as maintaining and enhancing our benefits programs while mitigating risk and ensuring adherence to relevant laws.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of payroll systems, benefits management, and HR compliance, coupled with a strong ability to analyze and solve complex issues, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Management: Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process for all employees. Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll, including regular, overtime, bonuses, and commissions. Coordinate with finance and accounting teams to ensure payroll aligns with budget and compliance standards.
• Benefits Administration: Support all aspects of employee benefits programs, including the administration, billing, and compliance of health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other voluntary benefits.
• Compliance & Reporting: Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations regarding payroll, benefits, and other HR processes. This includes fulfilling reporting requirements and monitoring changes in tax laws and other related legislation.
• Tax Reporting & Filings: Ensure all payroll tax filings (federal, state, local) are accurate and submitted on time, including quarterly and year-end reports. Work closely with external tax advisors and auditors to ensure full compliance.
• Audits & Record-Keeping: Lead or participate in payroll and benefits audits to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. Maintain accurate records of all payroll and benefits-related documentation, ensuring confidentiality and security.
• Employee Inquiries & Support: Serve as the point of contact for payroll, benefits, and compliance-related questions. Provide clear and prompt responses to employee inquiries related to pay, deductions, benefits eligibility, and other HR matters.
• HRIS and Payroll Systems Management: Partner with members of the team to manage and optimize the HRIS and payroll systems to ensure accurate data entry, reporting, and payroll processing. Ensure systems are timely updated with any regulatory changes or program updates.
• Open Enrollment & Benefits Communication: Support the annual benefits open enrollment process, working with benefits brokers and vendors to communicate changes to employees and ensure all necessary forms and actions are completed.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate existing payroll and benefits processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Implement changes in line with best practices and company policies.
• Stay Current with Legislation: Stay up to date on payroll, benefits, and compliance laws and regulations to ensure the company remains in compliance with changing requirements. Implement necessary updates to policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field or equivalent years of education and experience required. Relevant HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, or CPP) are a plus.
• Experience: 3 years of experience managing payroll, with additional experience in benefits administration and HR compliance.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in payroll & HRIS systems (e.g., Paycom, ADP, UKG, Workday, or other payroll software). Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of payroll, benefits administration, and compliance.
• Agility and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to adapt to evolving business needs, leveraging strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex issues and develop practical solutions.
• Customer Focus and Communication Skills: Propensity toward customer (internal and external) focus, with excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to explain complex policies and procedures to employees in a clear and understandable way.
• Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Additional Skills & Attributes:

• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Proactive in identifying issues and recommending solutions.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to work well with employees at all levels.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary & Target Bonus Program
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) with a company match
• Comprehensive Healthcare – Medical (BlueCross BlueShield), company-paid dental, vision, short-term & long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Work-Life Balance – 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and paid volunteer time off.
• Flexible Work Options & Perks – Hybrid and remote opportunities, wellness programs, and weekly paid lunch for onsite staff.
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts – Includes a company match for HSAs.

Salary : $65,000 - $90,000