Sr Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist is a fully on-site role, responsible for managing all payroll activities and benefit/retirement programs for the Morgridge Institute for Research, including implementing changes and communicating information to employees. The person in this role serves as the primary point of contact for all payroll and benefits questions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Complete full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing. Process payroll changes including, but not limited to, new hires, terminations, garnishments, manual checks, leave requests, various payroll deductions, taxes, time entries, etc.
• Prepare payroll-related reports, resolve payroll-related discrepancies and look for process efficiencies in the administration of both payroll and benefits. Process year end payroll W2s and benefits ACA 1095C forms. Work with tax consultants as needed for non-resident alien tax treaties/set-up
• Administer benefits plans including enrollments, terminations and changes related to medical, dental, vision, COBRA, FSAs, life insurance; accident and disability; and retirement savings accounts. Set up, communicate and process the annual open enrollment event.
• Conduct new employee benefit orientations. Provide benefit paperwork, including COBRA, to terminated employees.
• Serve as the primary contact between the Morgridge Institute and the various payroll, retirement and benefits providers/vendors. Serve as non-voting member of 401k Committee and active contributor at benefit renewal meetings.
• Act as a liaison between employees and insurance providers to resolve benefit related issues and ensure positive relations.
• Analyze current benefits through evaluating the usage, services, coverage, effectiveness and cost compared with industry trends through utilizing benefit surveys, other plans and resources. Develop recommendations for management review.
• Ensure benefit plans are administered under appropriate federal and state laws and regulations. Monitor government regulations and implement changes as applicable.
• Assist with revision and review of organizational policies and procedures; select appropriate vehicles to communicate related information.
• Advise and assist management and employees with benefit questions.
• Administer leave of absence requests, including FMLA, short- & long-term disability and military, and coordinate with individual state leaves of absence programs.
• Ensure registration and set up, as appropriate, with state and/or governmental agencies for processing pay, including for new hires working in states where the institute has no current employees.
• Administer, review, revise, test, and maintain HRIS system. Act as primary technical expert for HRIS. Work with end users to provide assistance and troubleshoot system problems. Create ad-hoc custom reports, maintain security, and configure various modules in Paylocity.
• Interface with accounting to ensure accuracy of provider billing. Process required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate documentation and proper deductions. Process monthly billings for all benefit plans from all insurance providers. Review bills for accuracy and complete reports as needed.
• Lead various audits, including the 401(k) plan. Provide support to accounting with their audits.
• Maintain employee benefit files and update of employee payroll records within deadlines and regulations.
• Perform other HR and employee benefits related duties as required.
  
  

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties.

Education And Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or equivalent education and experience in Human Resources required; CPP and/or PHR certification preferred but not necessary
• Minimum 8 years professional human resources experience related to benefits administration, compensation and payroll management, at least 10 years of experience preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS or payroll software required, Paylocity strongly preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• Knowledge of human resources principles and government reporting requirements, including related federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements.
• Experience with multi-state payroll and non-resident alien employees strongly preferred.
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality
• Strong accuracy and detail orientation
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments at one time
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and familiarity with payroll software (Paylocity preferred).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to effectively communicate with tact and diplomacy across all levels of the organization
• Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision-making
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and organizational skills
• Experience with multi-state payroll and non-resident alien employees strongly preferred.
  
  

Working Conditions And Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical office environment
• No or very limited physical effort is required
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk
  
  

In order to insure the safety of our workplace, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required unless an exemption is granted for medical, disability or religious reasons.