Payroll Specialist

ABOUT MODEL GROUP

Model Group is an employee-owned real estate construction, development, and management company with its headquarters in Cincinnati, OH. Founded in 1978, our mission is to positively transform communities. We have a passion for revitalizing urban neighborhoods and are a recognized leader throughout the region in historic preservation, neighborhood revitalization, mixed-use urban development (including neighborhood, retail, office, and institutional uses), market-rate housing, and high-impact affordable housing that is indistinguishable from market-rate housing. 

POSITION OBJECTIVE

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our team. The Payroll Specialist will manage the weekly and biweekly end-to-end payroll process for over 140 employees, ensuring that payments are accurate and made on time. This role includes maintaining payroll records, addressing payroll-related inquiries, and staying informed about relevant payroll laws and regulations for compliance. Additionally, the Payroll Specialist will manage our UKG Ready application (Human Resource Information System) and assist with the administration of the benefits program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll

• Process weekly and biweekly payroll, ensuring all time is reported in the UKG system according to current company policies and regulations.
• Process garnishments, child support, deductions, and other necessary adjustments into the UKG system.
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing payroll-related inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
• Prepare payroll reports as requested by upper management.
• Maintain accurate and thorough payroll records.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, internal policies, and government-mandated reporting.  
• Stay current on industry trends in payroll laws and regulations.
• Assist the HR Department with other duties as assigned and participate in special projects as workload allows.

UKG Administration

• Manage and maintain the UKG platform, including system updates, configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting issues, while liaising with vendors for resolution.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of UKG, including employee data changes, and benefits management.  
• Provide training, support, and security access for the UKG system to employees.
• Configure systems setup and ensure proper data flow between UKG and third-party vendors.
• Lead UKG projects, including system implementations, upgrades, and integrations with other software.

Benefits

• Coordinate with benefit vendors and carriers to resolve issues.
• Manage 401k contributions, distributions, rollovers, loans, compliance, reporting, auditing, and required notices to ensure the plan complies with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee employee leave of absence requests, including short-term disability, long-term disability, parental leave, FMLA, and COBRA.
• Manage ACA tracking and compliance reporting.
• Provide necessary data for unemployment claims and hearings, and wage withholding orders or income verification.
• Manage PTO tracking and year-end rollover and reporting.
• Audit, reconcile, and process monthly benefit plan invoices.
• Ensure compliance with all HR reporting requirements (benefit plans, PCORI, 5500 filings, W-2, ACA, 1095-C, and fringe benefits).
• Ensure compliance with the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) reporting requirements.

VALUES, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Commitment. Firm commitment to the company’s core values: Partnership, Innovation, Sincerity, and Stewardship. 

Passion. Demonstrate a passion for people, urban areas, neighborhood revitalization, and mixed income housing.

Problem Solving. Must embrace challenges and be able to effectively solve problems and do so with a positive attitude.

Education. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field is preferred; 3-5 years of relevant experience in payroll processing will be considered instead of a degree. Certified Payroll Professional designation is a plus.

Professional Experience

• 3 years’ experience using HR/Payroll systems, experience with UKG is highly preferred
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, standards, methods, and practices related to payroll and employee benefits
• Familiarity with HR practices and concepts.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Personal Growth. Have the desire and internal fortitude to give of your time, talents, and resources to become the best version of you to positively impact others and the company.

Computer and Technical Skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and UKG or other HRIS software.

Team‐oriented. Committed to working in a collaborative team environment. Must be willing to work with multiple departments and individuals with various work styles.

Communication. Developed writing and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with other team members.

Time Management. Developed organizational, planning, and time management abilities utilized to solve problems creatively, manage/schedule multiple priorities, and adherence to deadlines.

The job description does not include all duties performed by the incumbent.  Employees will be required to perform additional duties as directed by their supervisor. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.