Payroll & Benefits Specialist 251 - ATHENA Consulting LLC

OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Our client, a leading law firm with a commitment to excellence and innovation, is seeking a a a skilled and detail-oriented Payroll and Benefits Assistant to support the Payroll Manager and assist with various HR functions related to payroll processing and benefits administration. This role requires maintaining confidentiality, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work under general supervision while ensuring accuracy and efficiency in payroll and benefits operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• ·Payroll Support: Assist the Payroll Manager with processing semi-monthly and monthly payrolls, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• ·Data Processing: Collect, calculate, and enter payroll data; process new hires, terminations, and changes to employee profiles such as tax, benefit elections, and 401(k) contributions.
• ·Reconciliation: Review and audit payroll information post-processing to detect and resolve discrepancies.
• ·Timekeeping: Manage weekly non-exempt timesheets in Dayforce and ensure accurate submission.
• ·Benefits Administration: Support the benefits area by assisting with the administration of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and 401(k) programs.
• ·Inquiries: Respond to employee questions and issues related to payroll and benefits claims.
• ·Reporting: Prepare payroll and benefits reports on a semi-monthly and monthly basis.
• ·Leave Management: Assist with leave-of-absence requests, FMLA, disability paperwork, and other related inquiries.
• ·401(k) Support: Manage 401(k) enrollments, plan changes, and employee contribution inquiries.
• ·Compliance: Handle unemployment insurance inquiries, employment verification requests, and assist in year-end processes.
• ·Open Enrollment: Provide support during the annual open enrollment process for benefits.
• ·Additional Support: Provide back-up assistance to other HR roles as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• ·Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, with a focus on Human Resources or a related field desirable.
• ·Experience:
• ·3-5 years of experience in human resources with a focus on payroll and benefits administration.
• ·Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and payroll processes, including relevant laws and regulations.
• ·Previous experience working in a law firm or professional services environment is preferred.
• ·Technical Skills:
• ·Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) or similar software.
• ·Experience with payroll systems (such as Dayforce) and document management systems is a plus.
• ·Attributes:
• ·Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to work under minimal supervision.
• ·Excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.

Physical Requirements:

·Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

·Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.

·Standard hours of work: Monday through Friday. Some late nights and weekends may be required.

·Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds at times.

·Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

·The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required.  The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.