Job Summary
The Payroll and Benefits Specialist assists in the administration of the activities relating to the company payroll, benefits and employee leaves. under the supervision of the VP of Finance. This role is responsible for assisting with timely and accurate payroll data to include the complete processing of the timekeeping and payroll systems for all employees. Working with the HR team, this position is responsible for Benefits paperwork which includes auditing/approving monthly invoices for all vendors as well as executing on outbound vendor interfaces.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Enter and review weekly payroll time data, tax information, direct deposit, new hire and terminated employee processing.
- Reconcile ADP to CE (Cost Estimation) and FO (Financial Operations) systems for accurate account numbers entering tax and direct deposit information, administering regulatory requirements, e.g., garnishments, tax levies, and support orders, and other adjustments to pay as necessary.
- Audit payroll data entry, employee status changes to ensure accuracy prior to payroll execution.
- Coordinate with Human Resource Department personnel on the timely and accurate updating of employee Masterfile changes.
- Coordinate with Department Supervisors/Managers to ensure timely and accurate reporting of hours to be paid.
- Implement and maintain payroll best practices to improve efficiency and consult with human resources team to improve payroll and HRIS processes.
- Ensure timely and accurate administration of employee garnishments, ensuring proper withholding and remittance to appropriate agencies.
- Execute and audit ADP outbound interfaces to be sent to third party vendors.
- Present payroll process at new hire orientation to ensure new employees gain an understanding of importance of timely payroll submission
- Fulfills all governmental regulatory mandates and ensures filings are performed as required.
- Works closely with HR and Accounting for quarterly and year end audits (payroll, benefits, 401k, etc.).
- Reconcile weekly payroll/benefit deductions.
- Coordinate with third party administrator to manage disability claims according to the plan.
- Handle payroll-related inquiries from employees and resolve any discrepancies or issues.
- Verify new hire information and ensure accurate entry into payroll systems.
- Calculate final benefit amounts for terminated employees.
- Direct current and terminated employees to the correct information regarding 401k and other benefits.
- Serve as the backup for weekly payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Other duties as assigned. Assist with special projects and initiatives related to payroll and benefits.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Associate degree in accounting, human resources, business administration or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration.
- Proficiency in payroll software and HRIS systems (experience with ADP or similar systems preferred).
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work with a sense of urgency and meet tight deadlines while handling complex and confidential issues that require resolution.
- Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws and experience setting up new states for tax purposes.
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision; must set goals and priorities and work efficiently to accomplish critical objectives.
- Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.
Preferred skills
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, human resources, business administration or related field.
Work Environment
This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This position will occasionally be required to operate in a field environment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of AET to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.