Payroll & Benefits Lead

Performs and supervises all activities necessary to process benefits and payrolls, including maintaining related records, filing tax reports and voluntary deduction reports, inspecting automated system, determining, and correcting out-of-balance conditions, preparing, and filing tax reports, preparing benefit enrollment reports, processing involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, documenting and updating procedures, and preparing special reports for senior management. Supervises, trains, and leads a team of 1 to 3 Payroll & Benefits administrators.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in all aspects of benefit plan administration including but not limited to benefit plan compliance, plan design, open enrollment, COBRA Administration wellness plan administration, determining employee eligibility, processing enrollments, vendor invoicing and information communications. Knowledge of both self-insured and fully insured benefit plans required.
Assists in all aspects of retirement plan administration including but not limited to 401k, pension, and non-qualified retirement plans.
Applies knowledge of company policy and FMLA rules to assist employees and supervisors with leave of absence.
Performs regular audits of various payroll and benefit programs (i.e. discretionary contributions, 401(k), 941/943 balancing, etc.).
Analyzes accuracy and posts time and attendance data into payroll system for processing across multiple payrolls.
Processes bonus and adjustments cycles as needed.
Applies knowledge of company policy, system requirements as well as federal, state, local and unemployment tax laws to enter new hires and maintain employee computer files.
Applies knowledge of applicable laws to process court-ordered child support and medical support orders, garnishments, and federal tax levies.
Processes voluntary payroll deductions for credit union, United Way, Arts Wave, etc.
Uses considerable tact, discretion and a working knowledge of payroll & benefits policies, and procedures in frequent contact with employees, managers, and representatives of outside agencies.
Prepares and distributes reports as needed using the payroll system, spreadsheets, and word processing.
Operates software and hardware to produce employee badges.
Trains plant and office employees to use the automated time and attendance system.
Cross trains to provide absence coverage for other Payroll/Benefits positions.
Provides direct assistance to associates by phone, email or in person. Helps to manage the payroll and benefits phone queue
Assists the Payroll & Benefits Manager and Asst Payroll & Benefits Administrator with projects; performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Associate’s, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
CPP and/or CEBS designation preferred.
Three to five years of payroll/benefits-related experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong attention to detail
Ability to prioritize among multiple priorities and conflicting demands.
Self-starter, strong drive, highly motivated to make change and bring about fact driven decisions.
Strong analytical skills.
Must be well-organized and able to coordinate multiple tasks and requests.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to articulate and present vision or concepts that educate and influence thinking. Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels.
Demonstrated leadership skills and problem-solving capabilities.
Proven track record of being able to collaborate with key stakeholders across functions and levels.
Excellent verbal, written, people, and diplomacy skills are required.
Previous experience successfully introducing and implementing processes, best practices and operational change initiatives
People Management:

Responsible for partnering with the Manager of Payroll & Benefits in providing direct reports with timely, candid and constructive performance feedback; developing associates to their fullest potential and provide challenging opportunities that enhance associate career growth.
Developing his/her team through both formal and informal processes
Responsible for growing associate engagement within the team as measured by regular engagement surveys.
Computer/Technical:

Ability to use all Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, & PowerPoint including email
Previous experience with HR/Benefits/Payroll systems, Experience with UKG preferred
Previous experience with benefits related vendor portals preferred