Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Responsible for the processing and administration of monthly payroll in compliance with state and federal regulations and university policies. Additionally, the Payroll and Benefits Administrator will act as the primary point of contact for all inquiries related to payroll/timekeeping and benefits. Manages, with accuracy, the monthly billing, reconciliation, payment processes, FMLA, worker's compensation, and benefit claim filing. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities: 

25%  Timely prepare and process monthly payroll, includes researching, analyzing and resolving discrepancies of payroll information to ensure accuracy and adherence to university policy and procedures; monthly and quarterly tax reporting and deposits to state and federal agencies. Process a wide variety of payroll information including direct deposits, W-4’s, garnishments and levies, retirement contributions, benefits and other deductions to ensure that payroll related transactions are processed in compliance with external and internal policies. 

25%  Handles day-to-day employee benefit questions includes retirement plan. Benefit compliance; ensures that employees receive proper benefit package. Monthly billing and payment cycle, reviews invoices for accuracy and resolves discrepancies; works with finance department. Assist with Open Enrollment planning and execution; supports retirement plan administration and annual audit support. 

20%  Manage payroll deductions and reconcile with invoices; payroll changes as it relates to benefits, including retirement plan contribution changes; supports 430(b) annual audit, 430(b) corrections with recordkeeper. Performs payroll and benefit audits, as needed. 

15%  Administration of FMLA, Worker's compensation and other benefit claim filings; processes required documentation and maintains files; oversees workers’ compensation documentation, incident reports, claim filing and securing appointments with medical providers as needed. STD and Life insurance claim filing and documentation. Annual OSHA reporting. 

5%  Calculates and assigns vacation and sick leave; prorates as needed; calculates vacation payout for terminated employees. 

5%  Create and manages policies and procedures related to payroll, benefits and HR systems, as needed. 

5%  Offer customer service that demonstrates our R.I.S.E. Values and mission of the university. Flexibility to perform other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

Experience 

Five years to ten years of similar or related experience.  

 Education 

A college degree or equivalent work experience of 8 years of more.  

Interpersonal Skills 

A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and/or can be of a personal or sensitive nature. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.  

Other Skills 

• Advanced computer skills to include data entry, database (Banner, Jenzabar, etc.) and Microsoft 365 
• Strong proficiency and experience using web based HRMS applications for processing payroll, benefits enrollment, and timekeeping. 
• Strong initiative with the ability to anticipate issues proactively. 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to exercise critical thinking.  

Physical Requirements 

The work requires moderate physical exertion such as long periods of sitting, repetitively lifting lightweight objects with frequent bending or stooping, recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as sports equipment. Occasionally lifts heavy objects (over 50 pounds). Job requires average agility and dexterity.