Summary: The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing and managing payroll processes and employee benefits programs. This role ensures timely and accurate payroll operations, compliance with labor laws and regulations, and administration of company benefits programs such as health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies. The specialist also provides support to employees regarding payroll and benefits inquiries and works closely with finance and HR departments to ensure seamless processes.

Experience with PayCor payroll software is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Performs administrative tasks and HR functions as assigned by the Director of Human Resources.
Maintains high standards of confidentiality of all employees personal records and information.
Provides support and training on the HRIS Paycor, as needed.
Provides support to employees regarding payroll and benefits.
Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Conducts audits of payroll, benefits or other HR programs and recommends corrective action.
Enters, maintains, and/or processes information in the payroll system; information may include employees hourly rates, salaries, contact information, bonuses or other compensation, time worked, paid leave and holidays, deductions and withholding, address changes, and other information.
Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits and payroll processes.
Purchases corporate office snacks.
Assists finance with generating compliance reports.
Assists the Director of HR and the COO with generating reports.
Maintains human resource information system records and compiles reports from the database.
Tracks harassment compliance training for managers.
Maintain and audit payroll and benefits records for accuracy and completeness.
Payroll Administration

Ensure the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for all employees (average 1,000 employees), including hourly, salaries, bonuses, commissions, deductions, taxes, and garnishments, across multiple states.
Issues, reissues, physical or replacement checks or direct deposits due to errors or final discharge.
Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Expertise in using PayCor for payroll processing and reporting.
Oversee timekeeping systems and ensure proper data collection for payroll calculations.
Monitor payroll transactions and resolve discrepancies as needed.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding wages, payroll taxes, and benefits.
Prepare payroll reports for management and auditors as required.
Stay updated with changes in payroll laws and regulations and implement necessary adjustments for multi-state compliance.
Oversees and leads the payroll functions including employee changes in the HRIS including status changes, terminations, garnishments, entering of deductions and new earnings, and FMLA.
Benefits Administration

Assists the Director in researching employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
Assists the Director in design, recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
Responds to 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts. Manages the annual catch-up contribution enrollment.
Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, distributions, loans, and hardships.
Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
Administers employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, HSA accounts, COBRA, 401K, and other voluntary benefits programs.
Responds to benefit inquiries on plan provisions, benefit enrollments, status changes, claim issues, prepares reports and other general inquiries.
Reconciles monthly benefit invoices by verifying for accuracy and submitting for payment.
Processes life event changes, enrolls employees with carriers and conducts open enrollment by communicating all necessary benefit information to employees.
Administers FMLA and other employee leaves of absences.
Oversee benefit enrollment processes for new employees and during open enrollment periods.
Coordinate with benefits providers to resolve issues and answer employee questions.
Collaborate with HR to communicate benefits information to employees and assist in employee education programs.
Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities, escalating more complex questions to the Director of HR.
Other Functions: Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned as needed. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Typical Physical Demands: The employee works in an office setting and is regularly required to type, file, or lift office supplies up to 15 pounds. The employee may be required to bend, kneel, stoop, sit or stand on a frequent basis and for extended periods of time.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid state drivers license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
Must be willing to work an average of 40 hours per week.
Must be willing to work odd hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in HR, Business Management and 5 years related experience.
Must be able to fluently speak and read English.
Basic computer and writing skills.
Three years of PayCor experience strongly preferred.
In-depth knowledge of payroll and benefits laws and regulations.
Position Type: This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

Travel: Local travel to various store locations may be required at times.