What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Benefits Specialist position at Hunter+Sage?
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive professional to manage and oversee payroll processing and benefits administration. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll operations while optimizing benefits programs to support employees effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and actively manage weekly payroll processing while administering company benefits programs, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
- Stay up to date with evolving federal, state, and local regulations regarding wages, benefits, and employee rights, ensuring full compliance.
- Develop and implement strategic goals for the payroll and benefits department.
- Serve as the primary liaison for payroll, benefits, and retirement plan vendors.
- Clearly communicate payroll policies and benefits information to employees.
- Act as the point of contact between employees and insurance carriers/brokers, resolving benefits-related inquiries.
- Ensure compliance with employment tax reporting and payment requirements across multiple states.
- Approve and reconcile premium payments with third-party administrators.
- Lead the planning and execution of the annual benefits open enrollment process, including material distribution and deadline management.
- Manage Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements.
- Oversee FMLA leave eligibility, tracking, and facilitation.
- Develop and propose benefits initiatives in alignment with the annual budget.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance payroll and benefits processes to improve accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Establish and maintain internal controls related to payroll and benefits administration.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate team members, including involvement in hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions as needed.
- Conduct audits to ensure data integrity and accuracy across systems and reports.
- Draft, review, and distribute company communications related to payroll and benefits.
- Generate reports, analyze workforce data, and present insights to leadership as needed.
- Process employee changes and handle external inquiries, including employment verifications, child support orders, unemployment claims, and workers’ compensation requests.
- Uphold strict confidentiality regarding sensitive company and employee information.
- Administer and manage 401(k) plans, including filings, audits, and compliance reporting (e.g., Form 5500).
- Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of five years of experience in payroll and/or benefits administration.
- Leadership or management experience preferred.
- Strong communication skills, including professional business writing.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Technologically proficient with a strong ability to adapt to new systems.
- Excellent work ethic and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
