Additional Information

• Agency Logo:
• Requisition ID: FIN04XL
• Number of Openings: 1
• Shift: Day Job
• Posting End Date: Sep 10, 2025

Job Title: Retirement Benefit Payments Specialist 3

INTERNAL JOB PROFILE SUMMARY

This position serves as a Team Lead and plays a key supportive role to the Operations Manager by helping to coordinate and monitor daily operations related to the processing of retirement benefits and payments across multiple state retirement plans. While not a formal supervisor, the Team Lead functions as a knowledgeable resource – providing guidance, sharing expertise, and promoting consistency in processes and procedures. As a subject matter expert, this position ensures the accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of all payment-related activities. The Team Lead supports staff in collecting, verifying, processing, and balancing pension payroll transactions, and provides guidance on technical and procedural inquiries. This role also plays a critical part in managing rehired retiree compliance reporting and overseeing the overpayment recovery process. Additionally, this role contributes to team development by mentoring and training, helping to build team capacity and ensure consistent service delivery. This position works collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve complex issues and contributes to ongoing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and customer service delivery.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Demonstrates a commitment to professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge; acquires the skills needed to continually enhance his/her contribution to the State and to his/her respective profession

ERS PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a business related field from an accredited college or university AND two years of experience in benefits administration, pension services, or payment processing, including at least one year in a lead or mentoring role OR Associates degree in business or a related field from an accredited college or university AND four years of experience in benefits administration, pension services, or payment processing, including at least two years in a lead or mentoring role OR Six years of progressively responsible experience in a related field, with two or more years of experience in collections or financial operations AND at least one year providing guidance or oversight to others.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS

• Working knowledge of retirement systems and pension payment processing procedures
• A demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, rules, and regulations related to pension administration or benefits processing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in financial reconciliation
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to provide clear instruction and feedback
• Effective organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure
• Exceptional attention to detail
• A proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and firm deadlines, maintaining focus, flexibility, and accountability

STATEWIDE QUALIFICATIONS

Associate degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of payroll/accounting job-related experience; or five (5) years of payroll/accounting job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Payroll Spec 2 (FIP041) or equivalent position

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Supports the Operations Manager in coordinating daily workloads and priorities for the Retirement Benefits Payment team
• Provides technical assistance and process guidance to team members on payment-related tasks
• Assists with training, onboarding, and knowledge sharing to promote accuracy and operational consistency
• Collaborates with internal teams - such as Employer Reporting, Member Services, and IT - to address issues and ensure seamless operations
• Researches and resolves complex payment discrepancies, ensuring adherence to plan rules, state regulations, and internal policies
• Maintains and updates clear documentation related to standard operating procedures, reconciliation processes, and resolution protocols
• Contributes to audit readiness by supporting accurate and timely data collection, reconciliation, and documentation
• Participates in continuous process improvement initiatives to optimize efficiency and enhance the retiree and employer experience
• Responds to internal and external inquiries - including those from employers and retirees - with professionalism, accuracy, and a solution-orientated approach
• Prepares and processes various payroll transactions such as benefit suspensions, reinstatements, overpayment invoices, and incoming cash receipts
• Analyzes payroll reports and performs monthly reconciliation for retiree payroll
• Assists in developing and monitoring automated compliance reports to identify and flag data discrepancies, reporting gaps and data quality issues
• Researches and resolves payroll discrepancies in collaboration with internal departments and external partners
• Troubleshoots employer web reporting issues and provides training and technical support on reporting processes and requirements
• Maintains accurate ledgers for overpaid accounts, attorney invoices, and accounts payable
• Performs collection activities including outbound phone calls and preparation of formal collection correspondence
• Serves as a functional liaison for internal IT projects related to pension payments and system enhancements
• References and applies applicable rules related to Returned to Service provisions and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) when processing retiree payroll
• Provides guidance to less experienced payroll practitioners and assists with directing their daily work activities
• Other duties as required

ACCOUNTABILITY

Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to delivering on his/her public duty and presenting oneself as a credible representative of the Agency and State to maintain the public’s trust