Payroll & Benefits Specialist - City of Box Elder

Job Summary:

The City of Box Elder is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role is vital to ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and administering employee benefits. Starting wage is dependent upon experience. This position is a Grade 16 position.

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist assists employees with benefits enrollment and questions, verifies all insurance billing, maintains employee database and files, and ensures compliance with required benefit notices. This position will also be responsible for the accurate entry of payroll earnings and deductions and to have complete understanding of all payroll practices, policies, contracts and procedures to ensure all employees are compensated according to FLSA.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all city employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Maintain payroll records, including tax forms, deductions and garnishments.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and managers.
• Prepare payroll reports and assist with payroll audits.
• Implement and maintain payroll and benefits best practices.
• Respond to all employment verification requests in a timely manner.
• Respond to all unemployment claims in a timely manner.
• Maintain employee records in payroll/HRIS systems.
• Administer the time and attendance policy and paid leave policy for all employees.
• Administer all employee benefit programs including enrollments and terminations.
• Coordinates and conducts the new employee on boarding process and presents benefits presentations to ensure employees gain an understanding of benefit plans and enrollment provisions.
• Fulfills all governmental regulatory mandates and ensures filings are performed as required.
• Plans and administers annual open enrollment period.
• Addresses benefit inquiries to ensure timely and accurate resolutions.
• Processes monthly billings from providers. Reviews billings for accuracy and approves for payment in a timely manner. Resolves discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
• Coordinate with third party administrator to manage disability claims according to the plan.
• Administers FMLA requests and responds to and manages unemployment claims and workers compensation cases.
• Stays updated on changes in laws and regulations related to payroll and benefits.
• Supports onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Other assignments and special projects as given by the HR Director

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• At least 3+ years of experience administering payroll, HRIS and benefits processes required. Work experience should include knowledge of basic human resources, payroll practices, benefits administration, and compliance or other related experience.
• Must have strong knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including payroll, benefits, time & attendance and HRIS and self-service systems. Experience with iSolved a plus.
• Must have a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Strong understanding of Human Resources processes and terminology, payroll and benefit processes and procedures, including eligibility and enrollment rules and benefit procedures.
• Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills and ability to create useful and actionable reports from data.
• Possess strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Possess strong organization skills and ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline.
• Strong attention to detail with a track record for accuracy and the ability to edit and proofread.
• Possess a creative outlook with a problem-solving attitude.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Has shown ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests for data, ability to provide excellent follow through is a must.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a dedicated HR role, as well as 3 years focused primarily on Payroll & Benefits.
• At a minimum a High School Diploma or GED; preferably knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field or adequate prior experience working in the designated areas of the position.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of South Dakota.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field.
• Certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or SHRM-CP or related certification.

Conditions of Employment:

A candidate receiving a conditional offer of employment will undergo a background investigation and drug screening.

The City of Box Elder has a generous paid time off program, 10.5 paid holidays per year and excellent benefits which include 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision for the employee.

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the selection process.

The City of Box Elder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.