Payroll and Benefits Specialist

This position administers the payroll, time keeping and benefit related items for Simpson University, including advising the Director of Human Resources of compliance requirements and/or processing irregularities. Primary duties involve organizing, reviewing and processing payroll, workers’ compensation annual reconciliation, related employee training in payroll time and attendance software, maintenance of payroll files, preparation of the payroll journal entry, maintaining leave accruals and balances, and reconciliation of payroll general ledger totals to quarterly payroll tax returns. This is an ideal opportunity for a high-level attention to detail, critical thinking, thorough, collaborative and customer service-oriented professional.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field preferred
• Minimum of one year payroll administration experience with a strong focus on California compliance preferred
• Experience in Human Resources and benefit administration preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal, state and local employment and labor laws and regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, etc.)
• Experience with institutional integrated data management software a plus
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and time management skills and problem-solving abilities
• Highly professional in integrity and demeanor with an ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to communicate with personnel of all levels
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team

General Expectations:

• Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ
• Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties
• Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook
• Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records
• Properly exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and professional judgment
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties
• Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties
• Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures
• Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area
• Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor

Essential Functions:

• Process semi-monthly payrolls for all exempt and non-exempt employees, and any manual payroll runs as necessary, meet payroll cycle deadlines
• Ensure compliance with payroll laws and regulations, including wage and hour law and stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations affecting payroll and benefits
• Review payroll registers to verify wages and deductions are correct for every employee’s paycheck per pay period
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll changes, adjustments, and terminations; ensure manual payroll check requests are issued and calculated correctly
• Responsible for internal and external reporting on payroll, including substantiate payroll allocation to general ledger; identify payroll discrepancies and appropriateness of payroll items
• Responsible for all monthly, quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting
• Ensure that tax profiles for employees are set up in HRIS according to their states and local jurisdictions
• Process garnishments, new hire paperwork including I9’s, W-4’s, etc. as needed
• Assist with preparation and distribution of W-2s and 1095Cs
• Act as a first point-of-contact for University employees regarding day-to-day benefit and payroll operations
• Conduct new hire orientations and coordinate with managers and the Human Resources team to effectively and efficiently onboard new employees
• Assist employees with payroll and benefit related questions and solve discrepancies as needed
• Facilitate timely deduction of employee Healthcare Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts and 403(b) contributions, and timely and accurate transmission to the plan provider/trustee as well as reconciling all deductions and contributions each pay period
• Assist with 403b Plan compliance and annual audit, disbursement requests, and Employer Contributions and Match
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefit elections and ensure benefit information is up to date
• Work with insurance providers and Third-Party Administrators to effectively manage all benefit programs
• Provide individual and group employee training in HRIS regarding benefits, payroll, timekeeping and attendance
• Understand and track multi-state tax laws and regulations regarding benefits such as sick time, by state, based on state specific requirements

Related Responsibilities:

• Maintain payroll files, leave accruals, and balances
• Employment verification
• Completing unemployment and SDI claim reports with wage information
• Bank inquiries, fraud checks, stop payments
• Workers Compensation audits and General liabilities audits
• Support annual Open Enrollment
• Participate in the annual University financial audit process by providing the requested documents.
• Workers Comp claim filings and corresponding with injured employees
• Benefit invoice payments and reconciliation
• Serve as a primary contact for inquiries from third-party vendors, always exhibiting excellent customer service
• Assist with employee complaints and investigations
• Assist with special projects tasked to the Human Resources department
• Attend webinars and trainings to keep abreast of relevant changes in employment and wage and hour laws
• Responsible for integrity of University payroll and overall compliance

Physical Requirements:

Analysis of Physical Demands to Perform Essential Functions:

Key (Based on typical week):

N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)

F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)

Salary Range: $25-$30 per hour