Payroll Benefits Administrator

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is a critical, high-level administrative role responsible for managing the integrity, compliance, and strategic functioning of the organization's multi state payroll system. This role requires the consistent exercise of discretion and independent judgment in interpreting complex federal, state, and local regulations and applying those interpretations to company policies and procedures. The position is the primary internal professional on payroll, payroll issues, benefits, compliance audits, and system configuration decisions. CORE & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:PAYROLL:Manages payroll and handles complex payroll issues involving regulatory compliance in multi-state and location environment (e.g., garnishments, multi-state tax setup, executive compensation reporting, and retroactive pay calculations) Proactively interpret new or changing FLSA, state wage and hour, and tax laws, and develop, recommend, and implement changes to internal payroll policies and system configurations to maintain compliance Manages and resolves highly escalated, non-routine payroll discrepancies that require in- depth analysis of policy, law, and system logic, often setting precedents for future pay practices Manage processing and compliance of timekeeping records, deductions, garnishments, commissions, bonuses, and other pay adjustments Develop and maintain accurate payroll records and reports in multiple systems Conduct regular internal audits and comprehensive reconciliations of both Payroll and Benefit data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with internal controls and external regulations Maintain UKG Timeclock system Research, analyze, and resolve all federal, state, and local payroll tax notices and discrepancies, coordinating with relevant agencies as needed Complete any applicable tax registrations for new jurisdictions Ensure timely and accurate remittance and funding of 401(k) contributions Execute all year-end payroll processing procedures, including the thorough review and reconciliation of W-2s and associated tax forms, ensuring accurate and compliant distribution Enter, maintain, and process information in the HR/Payroll systems, including employees’ demographic information, compensation data, time and attendance, deductions and withholding, address changes, and other information Build custom reports in ADP Workforce Now as requested by Human Resources, Accounting and Senior Management TeamManage varying projects and deadlines to ensure expectations are met Establish and maintain payroll controls and payroll related procedures All other duties as assignedBENEFITS:Review and maintain employee benefits to ensure accurate enrollments and benefit compliance Coordinate, manage, and execute the annual Open Enrollment process, as well as the continuous benefits enrollment for all new hires, ensuring timely and accurate employee elections Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations Perform analysis work as needed with Excel VLOOKUP and Pivot TablesReview, analyze and reconcile monthly benefit invoices Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting Year-end processing including the review and completion of ACA 1094/1095 forms Maintain and establish Carrier Connections with ADPResponds to benefits questions from employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes, and other general inquiries Input benefit plan information into ADP and carrier portals Prepare, collect, organize and review data for plan audits and renewals All other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:Minimum of 5 years’ payroll and benefit experience preferred. Possession of at least a high school diploma or equivalent is required and a post-secondary degree or college classes in accounting is preferred. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered. Demonstrated aptitude for problem-solving, basic accounting principles knowledge, documentation skills, research, resolution skills, data analysis and multi-tasking skills are essential. Must have the ability to maintain a strict level of confidentiality. Must be results-orientated and able to work both independently and within a team environment. The ability to work without any monitoring or supervision. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be detailed oriented and highly organized. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite applications. Very strong user or power user in Microsoft Excel is a must. Experience in ADP Workforce Now and ADP Custom reporting is a must. CPP or PHR certifications are a plus. Adherence to health and safety regulations (e.g. use of protective gear). Driving is a requirement for this position. Therefore, must have the ability to travel domestically via operating a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver license and driving record which is acceptable to our insurance provider. Must have a vehicle in good working condition and ensure it meets all safety, insurance, and legal requirements. The ability to travel by plane and/or overnight travel may also be required.