Benefits and Payroll Specialist

HR Works is assisting our client, located in Henrietta, NY, with its search for a Benefits and Payroll Specialist. The compensation range for this position is $55,000-$65,000.

The Benefits and Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing payroll from beginning to end. The Benefits and Payroll Specialist will also administer employee benefit and retirement plans company-wide. Benefit programs include: 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical/dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, workers' compensation, leave of absence, Flexible Spending (Section 125). The Benefits and Payroll Specialist acts as liaison between employee and brokers/insurance providers to resolve benefit related problems and ensure effective utilization of plans and positive employee relations. Provides administrative support to human resources function as needed (e.g. correspondence generation, record keeping, file maintenance, database/HRIS entry). Ensures plans are administered in accordance with federal and state regulations and plan provisions are followed. This position is located onsite, in the Henrietta, NY location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Responsible for payroll processing of weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for multiple companies, including payroll bank account reconciliation, appropriate reporting.
• Administers all company benefit plans including Health, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account, Disability, Worker’s Comp, and FMLA. Processes required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record keeping and proper deductions. Serves as the Cobra Administrator for company.
• Processes monthly billings from insurance providers. Reviews billings for accuracy. Resolves discrepancies with carriers, payroll and the company. Completes reports for management as requested.
• Strives to ensure employee understanding of benefit programs by, regularly generating communication and counseling employees/dependents as situations arise. Resolves employee complaints related to benefit plans. Refers difficult or very complex complaints to manager as needed. Acts as liaison with broker and various insurance carriers while fostering effective relationships with client representatives.
• Keeps management advised of potential problem areas and recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
• Maintains personnel files in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
• Keeps employee records (paper and electronic) up-to-date by processing employee status changes in timely fashion.
• Processes forms and assures proper approvals; disseminates approved forms.
• Prepares paperwork required to place employee on payroll and establishes personnel file.
• Performs other HR general duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Four year college degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 3-5 years of job-related experience (both payroll and benefits administration) in a human resource department.
• Technical experience, including responsibility for maintaining computer systems, databases, direct benefit and payroll entry.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficient in computer software (Microsoft Office, payroll and HR Software.)
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Knowledge of office administration procedures.
• Ability to operate most standard office equipment.
• Attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent telephone and oral communication skills.
• Superior verbal/written skills and presentation skills. Good punctuation, spelling, grammar and attention to detail a must.
• Familiarity with COBRA, ERISA, FMLA and related state and federal regulations required.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality; ability to respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

The Company is committed to the policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, veteran status or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.

The full job description can be found in the application.