JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Director, Human Resources
FLSA: Exempt
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Onsite, Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Remote (extended hours when requested)
Location: Orange Beach, AL
Compensation: The starting compensation for this position starts at $56,850.00 annually.
Disclosure: Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and company compensation guidelines.

JOB SUMMARY

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist serves as the primary resource for all payroll operations, benefits administration, and retirement plan management for a multi-state employer.
This role ensures that payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations across all states of operation. The position is also responsible for overseeing 401(K) plan administration, including eligibility, enrollment, contributions, and compliance reporting, as well as managing benefit eligibility, enrollment, and ongoing maintenance.

Essential Job Tasks Additional duties may be assigned.

• Processes biweekly payroll cycles accurately, and on schedule for all staff, and faculty.
• Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validate all reports; prepare and distribute all payroll related reports to appropriate parties; coordinate with Finance for payroll funding, general ledger postings, and reconciliations.
• Manages the HRIMS by ensuring updates (e.g., direct deposits, pay changes, title changes, garnishments, deductions), adding new hires, uploading relevant documents received, and assisting staff members with technical issues of the operation of the HRIMS. Ensures information is accurate and the system is operating without any problems. Serves as the primary contact for the HRIMS provider, ADP.
• Ensures payroll and benefits practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws (e.g. FLSA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA). Monitor regulatory changes and recommend process updates to maintain compliance.
• Collaborates with benefits broker in the processing and support of employee benefits. Processes short-term disability claims and billing requests, assists with open enrollment and new hire enrollment, tracking unpaid deductions, and provides census reports to CSU’s broker to act as a liaison between employees and benefits broker ensuring benefits are communicated and processed appropriately and effectively for employees. Assures invoices from carriers are submitted for approval and payment.
• Prepares and file required reports such as, but not limited to, ACA compliance filings, 401(K) contributions, and benefits census data.
• Processes incoming performance evaluations calculating pay raises based on evaluation scores and communicating information to supervisors ensuring pay raises are calculated accurately and timely.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

KNOWLEDGE

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Payroll – Comprehensive understanding of payroll processing, tax regulations, and wage & hour laws.
• Benefits – In-depth knowledge of employee benefits programs and related compliance requirements.
• HRIS Systems – Familiarity with payroll and HRIS Systems (e.g. ADP, and comp. analyst)
• Computer- Knowledge of basic computer processes including word processing, web browsing, and Microsoft Office including Basic Microsoft Excel.
• .
• Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems

SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools for data analysis.
• Time Management – Strong organizational and time management skills to meet strict deadlines.
• Attention to Detail - Thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task ensuring all aspects are reviewed.
• Problem Solving – Efficient at problem solving to resolve payroll discrepancies and benefits issues.

ABILITIES

• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to interpret and apply payroll and benefits regulations to workplace practices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required, or equivalent of five (5) years of specific payroll administrator experience.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in payroll required.
• Certified Payroll Processional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPA) strongly preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but requires timely, accurate, and effective accomplishment of tasks through collaboration with other roles within the HR department.

Essential Job Tasks Additional duties may be assigned.

• Processes biweekly payroll cycles accurately, and on schedule for all staff, and faculty.
• Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validate all reports; prepare and distribute all payroll related reports to appropriate parties; coordinate with Finance for payroll funding, general ledger postings, and reconciliations.
• Manages the HRIMS by ensuring updates (e.g., direct deposits, pay changes, title changes, garnishments, deductions), adding new hires, uploading relevant documents received, and assisting staff members with technical issues of the operation of the HRIMS. Ensures information is accurate and the system is operating without any problems. Serves as the primary contact for the HRIMS provider, ADP.
• Ensures payroll and benefits practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws (e.g. FLSA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA). Monitor regulatory changes and recommend process updates to maintain compliance.
• Collaborates with benefits broker in the processing and support of employee benefits. Processes short-term disability claims and billing requests, assists with open enrollment and new hire enrollment, tracking unpaid deductions, and provides census reports to CSU’s broker to act as a liaison between employees and benefits broker ensuring benefits are communicated and processed appropriately and effectively for employees. Assures invoices from carriers are submitted for approval and payment.
• Prepares and file required reports such as, but not limited to, ACA compliance filings, 401(K) contributions, and benefits census data.
• Processes incoming performance evaluations calculating pay raises based on evaluation scores and communicating information to supervisors ensuring pay raises are calculated accurately and timely