Benefits & Payroll Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Benefits & Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of Great Western Dining Service's payroll and employee benefit programs.

This position serves as the primary resource for employees and managers regarding payroll, benefit enrollment, deductions, eligibility, retirement programs, and related questions.

The Benefits & Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Finance, managers, employees, payroll providers, benefit brokers, and insurance carriers to ensure accurate administration and excellent employee service.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration

• Coordinate and process company payroll according to established payroll schedules.
• Review payroll information for accuracy before processing.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including pay rates, deductions, direct deposits, garnishments, and other payroll information.
• Process new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, and other payroll adjustments.
• Review timekeeping information and work with managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Research and resolve payroll questions and errors.
• Coordinate final pay according to applicable requirements.
• Maintain payroll documentation and records.
• Assist with payroll reconciliation and reporting.
• Work closely with Finance regarding payroll expenses, deductions, and general ledger information.
• Assist with year-end payroll processes and employee tax documentation.

Benefits Administration

• Administer GWD employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and other company-sponsored benefits.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate new-hire benefit enrollment.
• Assist employees with benefit questions and claims-related administrative issues.
• Maintain benefit eligibility and enrollment information.
• Review payroll deductions for accuracy.
• Coordinate qualifying life event changes.
• Assist with annual open enrollment.
• Prepare benefit communications and enrollment materials.
• Maintain relationships with benefit carriers, brokers, and vendors.
• Assist the HR Director with annual benefit renewals and benefit plan evaluations.

Retirement Programs

• Administer employee retirement plan enrollment and payroll deductions.
• Coordinate employee contribution changes.
• Work with retirement plan providers regarding employee questions and administrative matters.
• Assist with required retirement plan reporting and audits.

Payroll & Benefits Compliance

• Maintain accurate payroll and benefit records.
• Support required payroll and benefit reporting.
• Assist with benefit and payroll audits.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee compensation, payroll, and benefit information.
• Identify discrepancies and promptly escalate significant issues to the HR Director.

Employee Service

• Serve as the primary contact for routine employee payroll and benefit questions.
• Explain payroll deductions and benefit programs clearly and professionally.
• Provide timely follow-up to employees and managers.
• Develop benefit and payroll information that is easy for employees to understand.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous payroll, benefits, accounting, or Human Resources experience preferred.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems preferred.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to meet firm payroll deadlines.
• Strong customer-service and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other business software.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Accuracy • Confidentiality • Accountability • Customer Service • Attention to Detail • Organization • Payroll Knowledge • Benefits Administration • Problem Solving • Deadline Management

SUCCESS MEASURES

Success will be measured by payroll accuracy and timeliness, accurate benefit administration, timely resolution of employee questions, accurate payroll deductions, reliable recordkeeping, effective vendor coordination, and strong internal customer service.