Director of Payroll & Benefits - GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:   

The Director of Payroll & Benefits will lead and manage the functional and strategic performance of both key areas in the organization.   This role will provide timely and superior support to employees, managers and organization leader Overall responsibility includes establishing annual goals and operational programs in support of strategic imperatives.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Oversee HRIS system management; act as subject matter expert for HRIS; ensure accuracy of data; issue and approve security access to client information;  

• Oversee and execute the day-to-day duties in processing payroll ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations and Food Depository policies.  

• Maintain employee confidentiality and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential. 

• Create and implement internal controls; ensure activities abide by all internal controls and legal compliance 

• Oversee payroll tax reporting; ensure timely and accurate filing of all quarterly and annual tax reports, forms and deposits as required; work with payroll provider to correct discrepancies 

• Audit and complete timely deposit of 403(b) Plan payroll deferrals and employer contributions. 

• Administer and reconcile the Affordable Care Act Module in Paycom 

• Plan and direct the overall design, communication, implementation, and administration of all employee benefit programs in accordance with vendor and broker contracts, company policies, regulations, federal and state laws.  

• Act as primary point of contact for internal and external audits of health and welfare plans, 403b plan, and worker’s compensation plan; prepare necessary information and work in partnership with outside vendors to complete all audits within deadlines. 

• Administer COBRA with third-party provider and maintain records related to COBRA eligibility. 

• Collaborate with brokers and vendors to ensure proper administration, integrity, and accuracy of programs and data 

• Manage employee benefit enrollments for new hires, open enrollment process and other status changes.  Conduct benefit presentations as necessary. 

• Create, administer, and execute annual Total Rewards Statements 

• Develop a long-term benefits strategy, recommend budgets for programs, plan and execute strategy  

•  Audit and submit insurance and benefit invoices for payment in a timely manner.  Resolve all discrepancies. 

• Manage leave of absence process (FMLA/ADA/LOA) 

• Enforces policies and standards that support a respectful workplace and organizational values 

• Approaches all decisions through the lens of equity and inclusion 

• Enable an environment where all employees feel safe to speak openly 

• Builds collaborative and cross-departmental relationships; collaborates across the organization on change initiatives 

• Balance employee’s needs with strategic priorities 

• Stay current on latest federal, state, and local regulations  

• Lead the development of new initiatives to establish cost-effective and competitive programs;  

• Create, implement, and monitor long-term wellness (mental health, financial, physical) programs; educate employees on all benefit programs 

• Provide high-level utilization and cost analysis and budget for all benefits programs. 

• Optimize efficiency of payroll and benefits systems; identify areas for improvement, implement changes to achieve improvements 

• Responsible for annual budget, adherence to budget, and reporting all variances to leadership 

 QUALIFICATIONS  

• Minimum 7-10 years of payroll and benefit management experience  

• SPHR / CPP / CEBS certification preferred 

•  Experience with HRIS  systems  

• In-depth knowledge of local, state, federal and international wage and hour laws, principles, practices including garnishments.  (e.g., ERISA, DOL, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, PPACA.) 

• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.  

• Able to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.  

• Self-starter with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities in a complex environment. 

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 

EXPOSURE: 

• General office environment; limited exposure to warehouse environment 

• Interacts with Food Depository leadership team, staff, volunteers and vendors.