Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Description

Job Title: Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Job Location: Westfield, IN

Department: Human Resources

Position Overview

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing the organization’s weekly and bi-weekly payroll process and benefits administration. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of employee payroll, compliance with applicable laws, and smooth administration of benefits programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of payroll and benefits administration.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management:

• Process payroll for all employees on a bi-weekly/monthly basis, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain payroll records, including deductions, exemptions, bonuses, and pay rates.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and address employee inquiries regarding their pay.
• Process and maintain garnishments for employees as required, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Administer and adjust 401(k) contributions and other retirement plan deductions, ensuring accuracy in employee accounts.
• Assist with year-end payroll processing and tax filings (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).
• Generate and distribute payroll reports for internal and external audits.
  
  

Benefits Administration

• Assist employees with benefits enrollment, changes, and claims issues.
• Track and administer benefits eligibility, coverage changes, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Work with insurance carriers and vendors to resolve issues related to benefits.
• Maintain accurate records of employee benefit elections, contributions, and enrollment status.
• Provide guidance to employees on benefit plan options and eligibility.
• Make adjustments to employee payroll based on benefit election.
  
  

Compliance & Reporting

• Stay up-to-date with changes in payroll and benefits-related regulations (e.g., FMLA, COBRA, ACA, ERISA).
• Ensure all payroll and benefits practices comply with legal requirements.
• Prepare and submit reports related to payroll taxes, benefits, and regulatory filings (e.g., 401(k) contributions, benefits plan compliance).
• Experience with certified payroll compliance, including prevailing wage rates and labor standards for government contracts, is a plus.
• Assist with employee tax registration, ensuring compliance with state and federal tax laws for new hires and transfers.
  
  

Employee Relations & Support

• Serve as the point of contact for payroll and benefits-related inquiries from employees.
• Assist with the onboarding and offboarding process, ensuring benefits are properly set up or terminated.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (preferred but not required).
• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Knowledge:
• Proficiency in Paylocity is a plus
• Understanding of payroll taxes, garnishments, benefits administration, and labor laws.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems.
• Experience in certified payroll compliance, including prevailing wage laws and government contract requirements.
• Experience with 401(k) adjustments and other retirement plan administration.
• Familiarity with employee tax registration processes and compliance.
• Skills:
• Strong attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with employees and vendors.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
  

Work Environment

• In Office position with potential for one work from home day after training period
• Fast-paced, with deadlines and changing priorities.