Payroll/Benefits Specialist

Please note this position is 30 Hours/Benefits and Earned Time Off Eligible

*Community Action Partnership of Strafford County is mandating the COVID-19 vaccination upon employment. You must provide proof of vaccination on the first day of employment*

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, the Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for processing all aspects of payroll, assisting employees with benefits enrollments and questions, ensuring compliance with required benefit notices, overseeing short term disability, FMLA, worker compensation claims, unemployment claims, and running required reporting. Be the main point of contact for employees regarding payroll and benefits Inquiries and reconciliation of all payroll GL accounts.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate degree

At least two years of experience in payroll and benefits.

Experience with ADP Workforce Now preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Good working knowledge of accounting practices and tax laws
• Familiarity with the state and federal payroll and tax rules and regulations
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality with regard to internal organizational information, including financial, strategic, labor relations and personnel information.
• Solid operational and technical accounting background
• Ability to work either independently and/or collaboratively as needed.
• Functional knowledge of cloud-based systems and spreadsheet tools required.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and measurement
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage many tasks simultaneously.
• Flexibility, creativity, and ability to solve problems.
• Pro-active work style with excellent follow-up and follow-through skills
• Responsible for 403b deductions and changes to deductions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ADP payroll systems 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PAYROLL

• Maintain confidentiality of information and functions relating to Payroll & Benefits Specialist responsibilities
• Process bi-weekly payroll and submit to ADP & 403b.
• Compute wages, deductions, benefits etc. to process our bi-weekly payroll.
• Maintain employee information on the 403b website, including new hires, terms, and bi-weekly contributions.
• Update payroll information for promotions, transfers, reclasses, terminations, bonuses, stipends, and increases.
• Assist with new state setup and reporting for state taxes for payroll purposes and submit tax payments.
• Record and maintain employee records and payroll transactions and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Preparing statements reflecting earnings, taxes, and deductions
• Keep abreast of the state’s wage and hour laws.
• Administer all leave of absence payments (medical, personal, etc.)
• Answering questions and resolving issues regarding payroll
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, relevant industry regulations, tax, and deduction laws
• Preparing payroll reports for management and auditing purposes
• Compliance reporting: BLS, Census
• Assist with any internal and external audits including but not limited to tax audits, finance audits, 403b audits and workers comp audits.
• Administer health insurance and retirement benefits/plans, including enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Reconciliation of employee benefits, including but not limited to medical, cell phone, payroll, workers compensation, etc.

BENEFITS

• Ensuring employees know what benefits are offered by the company, and answering any questions employees have about their benefits.
• Assist HR Director in completing benefits reporting requirements.
• Administer ACA submission.
• Assisting employees with the enrollment process on employee navigator
• Conducting employee-benefit meetings to inform employees of the benefits. Responsible for Open Enrollment support and coordination
• Conducting presentations that educate employees about their benefits.
• Informing employees about any changes to the benefits structure
• Administering and collaborating with Finance on all accounts payable and accounts receivable regarding benefits
• Processing leaves of absence and paid-time-off paperwork.
• Ensure administrative compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Managing monthly payroll reconciliation
• Audit benefit enrollment reports for accuracy.
• Communicating with insurance and third-party benefit vendors
• Ensuring the company’s benefits and leave-of-absence policies comply with the law.
• Keeping up-to-date records of each employee’s benefits profile
• Prepare and provide benefits communications and education to employees.
• Work closely with our health brokers and vendors to ensure that benefits are accurate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• N/A

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, elected officials, volunteers, coalition members, and the public on a regular basis.
• Effective communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• 2-3 years of experience in multi-state payroll and benefits administration; and administrative functions.
• Strong knowledge of payroll and benefits standards and employment laws.
• Strong data accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with auditing payroll and benefits timely and accurately.
• Possess the highest level of confidentiality, integrity, fair-mindedness, and ethical conduct at all times.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (ability to build relationships and gain credibility and trust).
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
• Good judgment and problem-solving skills with the ability to learn new things quickly.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote-working environment.
• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive, effective, and successful in work.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practices honest, respectful, and direct communication as well as active listening.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.