Payroll and Benefits Specialist

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth administration of payroll, benefits, and compliance programs, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. This position is responsible for managing payroll processes, overseeing the final stages of onboarding, maintaining accurate employee records, administering benefits programs, and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and other reporting requirements. The role also includes providing guidance on leave and attendance policies, processing garnishments, and facilitating open enrollment and retirement plan contributions.

1. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides counsel on and administers the Family and Medical Leave Act policy including tracking leave taken and advising employees of their eligibility and remaining leave status.
2. Administers, processes, and reconciles the 401(a) Pension Plan and 403(b) Tax Deferred Plan, enrollment, eligibility, changes, and terminations.
3. Communicates employee benefit plan information to all employees and assists with problem resolution as needed.
4. Participates in review and renewal process of all employee benefit plans and has primary responsibility for conducting open enrollment, including meetings at Goodwill locations.
5. Determines eligibility for and administers COBRA benefits for eligible employees/dependents.
6. Processes payroll utilizing the HRIS system and ensures that employees and supervisors make the necessary changes pertaining to payroll, as appropriate. Ensure that payroll is processed accurately and timely, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and company policies.
7. Handle payroll tax reporting, including 941 processing, unemployment tax filings, and annual W-2 processing and distribution.
8. Administer payroll-related garnishments and other deductions, ensuring proper documentation and timely processing.
9. Manage benefits administration, including enrollment, changes, terminations, and COBRA compliance.
10. Lead open enrollment efforts, including employee communication, benefit plan updates, and system configuration.
11. Administer and track employee leaves under FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.
12. Monitor attendance records, assist managers in evaluating attendance points, and provide guidance on corrective actions.
13. Ensure compliance with leave-related policies and procedures.
14. Collaborate with third-party administrators to ensure accurate plan reporting and compliance.
15. Prepare and submit federal and state reports, ensuring compliance with labor laws and tax regulations.
16. Maintain accurate employee records in compliance with federal and state laws, including record retention requirements.
17. Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory agencies as needed.
18. Serve as a resource for employee questions related to payroll, benefits, leave, and attendance policies.
19. Assists in producing payroll and employee reports as needed.
20. Reviews and is familiar with Company safety policies, programs and procedures. Adheres to all safety rules, regulations and safety codes, and attends safety training sessions and safety meetings.
21. Other duties as required.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be 21 years of age.
2. Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver's License, with a good driving record.
3. Must be eligible for positive outcome on required State of Oklahoma criminal conviction background check.
4. Maintains confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA regulations.
5. Must maintain compliance with Goodwill's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy.
6. Must maintain appropriate requirements for legal vehicle operation including current automobile insurance and license plates.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and HRIS platforms. Strong analytical and reporting skills.
8. Solid understanding of FMLA, ADA, payroll tax regulations, retirement plans, and benefits compliance requirements.
9. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
10. Goodwill considers this a safety-sensitive position because it includes tasks or duties that Goodwill reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee or others.

1. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Associate’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of payroll and benefits administration experience. Familiarity with ADP or similar payroll systems is highly desirable.

1. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Talking, hearing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, reaching, handling, hand, and finger dexterity, feeling, seeing and accommodation.

Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling: Sedentary Work: Lifting 10 lbs. Maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers, and small tools.