Payroll & Benefits Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits programs for Chase Oaks Church and Center for Church Renewal (CCR). This position serves as the primary specialist of payroll processing, benefits administration, payroll tax compliance, HRIS maintenance, and employee benefit support. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist also provides general Human Resources support while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and customer service. Reports to HR Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collect and input payroll data in Paycom and process employee changes (new hires, pay rate changes, employment status changes, housing allowances, and benefit elections) for both Chase Oaks Church and Center for Church Renewal (CCR), ensuring compliance with IRS guidelines
• Maintain payroll system setup, including tax reporting changes for pastors and clergy as required by IRS regulations, as well as payroll-related system configurations and GL mapping
• Process semi-monthly payroll and review payroll reports for accuracy; prepare manual checks, voids, stop payments, and payroll corrections as necessary
• Manage wage garnishments, verify quarterly Form 941 filings, verify year-end W-2 and W-3 reporting, and research payroll tax code changes to maintain compliance with federal regulations
• Fund payroll accounts, provide payroll-related reporting to CCR, post payroll entries (G/L, 403(b), HSA, fees), and reconcile benefits accrual accounts monthly
• Update HSA systems with employee and employer changes, maintain semi-monthly HSA deposits, and process quarterly employer contributions
• Input and verify annual salary, housing allowance, and benefit information during each compensation cycle
• Process Love Fund assistance related to staff and assist the HR Director and leadership team with confidential compensation and payroll reporting
• Respond to employment and salary verification requests submitted by authorized agencies and organizations
• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, health savings accounts, and leave programs
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and terminations; coordinate annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit communications
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll and benefit inquiries and coordinate with benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve issues
• Remain knowledgeable regarding pastoral compensation requirements and event payment guidelines related to hours worked by staff