Sr. Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Title: Sr. Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll while managing benefits integration. This role requires expertise in labor law compliance, strong relationship-building skills, and a problem-solving mindset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, commitment to accuracy, and a proactive approach to maintaining compliance.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing:

• Serve as backup to the Payroll Specialist and manage multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees
• Reconcile payroll data with internal records and resolve discrepancies promptly
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure proper tax withholding, benefits deductions, and garnishments
• Review and reconcile payroll reports, including quarterly and annual filings (W-2, 1099, tax forms)
• Conduct payroll and tax audits to verify calculation accuracy
• Coordinate with Finance for accurate payroll accounting and reporting
• Manage and update payroll systems to meet organizational needs.

Benefits:

• Oversee integration of benefits transactions into payroll, including health, retirement, and other employee benefits
• Ensure compliance with benefits regulations, including tax implications and reporting requirements
• Conduct open enrollment and coordinate file feeds and testing
• Process benefits administration and maintain current employee benefit data with payroll providers
• Serve as liaison between employees, third-party administrators, and benefit vendors
• Reconcile benefits to ensure accurate deductions and contributions
• Serve as backup for HSA bi-weekly and quarterly uploads and reports in compliance with IRS regulations
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with benefit vendors

Compliance:

• Stay current on labor laws and payroll practices, implementing timely updates to processes
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations including FLSA, ACA, ERISA, and COBRA
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reporting (401(k) audits, 5500 filings, ACA reporting)
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate risk
• Conduct regular audits of payroll and benefits records

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, IT) and external vendors (benefits providers, auditors, tax agencies).
• Serve as a point of contact for payroll-related inquiries, providing guidance and support to employees and management

Problem-Solving and Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce errors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies and issues with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.

Accuracy and Reporting:

• Ensure payroll data integrity by conducting regular audits and reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports, including tax filings, year-end documentation (e.g., W-2s), and compliance reports.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure data integrity.
• Conducting payroll audits and

Employee Experience:

• Resolve employee payroll and benefits inquiries with high-quality customer service
• Develop and deliver educational programs on payroll and benefits topics
• Communicate updates regarding benefits programs, payroll changes, and compliance requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in payroll processing, with a focus on multi-state payroll and benefits integration.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Experience with payroll systems (ADP and/or Workday) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven track record of successfully supporting audits and maintaining compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Deep knowledge of payroll and benefits laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, ACA, COBRA, ERISA).
• Professional certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) are a plus.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer disability/protected veteran status.

No third-party candidates accepted.