Payroll and Benefits Specialist
JOB SUMMARY
This position plays an instrumental role in processing and supporting payroll and benefit processes, from employee benefit eligibility and election set-up through issuance of pay and all relevant reporting, while also administering the company's health & welfare benefits, retirement, and time away from work programs. Utilizing the Dayforce HCM application, this position helps create and improve efficiencies across payroll and benefits administration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The following description of work to be performed by this individual is not intended to be all-inclusive. Rather, it focuses on the major tasks that must be accomplished. There are many necessary activities to satisfy any of the following performance guidelines.
Payroll Processing & Timekeeping
Efficiently processes payroll activities using Dayforce HCM software, ensuring smooth, accurate, and timely weekly payroll for all employees in accordance with company policy, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory requirements
Reviews and verifies Dayforce HCM timekeeping records for accuracy and compliance, and investigates and resolves payroll discrepancies and issues promptly
Stays up to date on enhancements to the Dayforce HCM system and assists in the implementation of best practices for payroll processing, optimization, efficiency, and accuracy
Identifies opportunities to streamline payroll processing workflows and recommends solutions to reduce errors and processing time
Payroll Compliance, Tax & Reporting
Audits and prepares payroll reports and assists with the preparation of quarterly and annual payroll taxes
Supports year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation/review and coordination of ACA reporting (1095-C)
Provides detailed payroll data and responds to inquiries related to bank reconciliations, ensuring alignment between payroll records and bank statements
Acts as a liaison with auditors as needed, providing necessary documentation and information
Benefits & Leave Administration
Comprehends and administers health & welfare benefits, payroll processes, and best practices; applies working knowledge of union contracts and plan documents as they relate to eligibility for health & welfare benefits and retirement plans, escalating complex interpretation questions
Supports maintenance activities for Dayforce HCM compensation grades, benefit plans, benefit eligibility, and benefit enrollment
Performs Dayforce HCM record adjustments and audits pertaining to benefit eligibility, enrollments, changes, terminations, and related events, to ensure accurate application of all union and company-sponsored benefit plans
Recommends improvements to benefits administration processes based on audit findings and recurring issues
Supports open enrollment administration, including system configuration testing and enrollment data audits
Coordinates COBRA administration with the third-party administrator to ensure timely notices and compliance
Updates Dayforce HCM accordingly based on disability and leave determinations made by the Company's third-party administrator, ensuring compensation and benefits programs are accurately administered
Reporting & Cross-Functional Support
Leverages Dayforce reporting to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement
Creates and provides ad hoc reporting via Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, etc.); develops, modifies, and generates reports for internal and external users using various reporting tools and techniques
Provides assistance to all team members, modeling company customer service standards at all times, and responds to employee and management inquiries related to payroll and benefits matters with professionalism and confidentiality
May assist in onboarding new team members on established payroll and benefits processes
Maintains an attitude and philosophy consistent with the company mission, vision, and values, and displays a high level of maturity, discretion, tact, judgment, and the ability to handle confidential matters
OTHER JOB DUTIES (Not considered essential to the job)
Perform all other related assignments (including special projects) as required in a professional and cooperative manner
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High school diploma or equivalent experience
Experience
Two (2) years of experience responsible payroll, benefits, and/or HR experience
HRIS/HCM systems experience required; Ceridian Dayforce experience preferred
Prior experience administering payroll and/or benefits in a union setting preferred
LFHI Competencies expected of all employees include: Action Oriented, Customer Focus, Instills Trust, Communicates Effectively, Ensure Accountability, and Values Differences
Other required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies and recommend or implement practical process improvements
Strong customer service and communication skills
Ability to explain wellness concepts clearly
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong organizational skills
Basic computer skills