The payroll benefits specialist is responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) plan and performs tasks to establish and maintain employee/payroll records.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments
- Sends carriers and TPA’s eligibility and census files
- Performs quality checks of benefits-related data
- Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes
- Helps with the distribution of all benefits enrollment materials and confirms eligibility
- Assists with enrolling employees with carriers and processing life status changes
- Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries
- Assists with the processing and administration of all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability and FMLA
- Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities
- Assists with 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts. Manages the annual catch-up contribution enrollment
- Assists with the open enrollment process
- Provides necessary reports for allocation/billing charges and manages invoicing
- Responds to government related requests for Medicare and Medical Support Notices.
- Coordinate benefits related events including flu shots, on-site physicals, corporate sponsored health events, etc.
- Participate in audits including 401K,
- Prepare company benefit newsletter information
- Assist with payroll processing
- Check and audit benefit deductions and timekeeping records for compliance with established standards
- Reconcile time and attendance records
- Post changes in pay and tax status, and miscellaneous changes
EXPERIENCE, SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
- Business mathematics; research methods and data analysis techniques; principles and practices of sound business communication
- Computer systems and software used in administering employee benefit plans
- Standard PC business software, including word processing and spreadsheets
- Understanding of HRIS database integrity and impact of data entry
- Understanding of Accounting
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, diagram, or scheduled form
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
- Exhibits tact and consideration in relations with others
- Motivated to assist and support co-workers
- Ability to work cooperatively in group situations and takes responsibility to help resolve conflicts
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Associates degree in HR or related field, but experience and/or other training/certification may be substituted for the education.
- Two years' experience in HR and/or benefits administration.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES & CAPABILITIES
- Operate a computer using word processing, spreadsheets, and other business software
- Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of assigned responsibility
- Exhibit strong problem-solving abilities individually and in a group setting
- Analyze complex benefits issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate decisions and recommendations
- Understand, interpret, explain and apply complex insurance and benefit plan laws, regulations, contract provisions, policies, and procedures
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials
- Handle sensitive employee situations with compassion, tact and confidentiality; organize and maintain specialized benefits files
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, retirees, benefit plan administrators and carriers and others encountered in the course of the work
- Ability to communicate internally and externally both orally and in print on a professional level.
- Ability to evaluate and process complex issues to resolve technical and commercial issues.
- Develop written procedures for daily functions
- Advanced skills with MS Office products, i.e., Word and Excel. Familiarity with HRIS/HRIM software and the importance of data integrity. Advanced organizational skills to allow for the easy retrieval of files and documents.