Manager, Payroll & 401(K)

JOB PURPOSE

The Manager, Payroll and 401(K), is responsible for the strategic direction, planning, and oversight of the organization’s payroll operations, 401(k) plan administration, and wellness program initiatives. This role provides leadership in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with wage/hour regulations and company policies, effective 401(k) plan management, and the development and implementation of impactful wellness programs. Additionally, the role is responsible for responding to the internal control audits conducted by the finance department for HR and overseeing the selection process and administration of the Employee Award for the Year.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Payroll/401(k) Wellness Management

· Oversee payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with wage and hour laws.

· Direct the administration of the 401(k) plan, including enrollments, rollovers, distributions, loans, hardships, and compliance testing.

· Lead the development, implementation, and management of employee wellness programs and initiatives.

· Manage the evaluation and revision of internal processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy in payroll processing, 401(k) administration, and wellness program administration.

· Ensure compliance with all applicable government regulations related to payroll and 401(k) plans, and the timely and accurate filing of required documents

· Develop long-range objectives for payroll operations, 401(k) plan management, and wellness programs, anticipating future trends and needs.

Analysis, Evaluation, and Audit

· Direct the planning and execution of audits for payroll and 401(k) plans to ensure accuracy and performance

· Analyze the current 401(k) plan, evaluating its use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends.

· Ensure the accuracy and maintenance of employee payroll records.

· Review and approve regular and ad hoc payroll and 401k reports.

· Evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programs and initiatives, using key metrics and employee feedback.

· Prepare budgetary recommendations and oversee the monitoring, verifying, and reconciling of budgeted funds for payroll, 401(k), and wellness programs.

· Respond to internal control audits conducted by the finance department for HR.

· Oversee the selection process and administration of the Employee Award for the Year.

Communication, Training, and Relationship Management

· Develop communication tolls to enhance employee understanding of the company’s 401(k) plan and wellness programs.

· Oversee the development and delivery of training programs and guidelines for Payroll, 401(k), and Wellness for leadership and employees

· Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments and wellness vendors/providers.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

· Timely and accurate payroll processing, free of errors and in compliance with wage and hour laws

· Accuracy and compliance of 401(k) plan administration, including timely corrections and documentation

· Development and implementation of effective communication tolls to enhance understanding and participation in the company’s 401(k) plan and wellness programs.

· Successful design, implementation, and participation rates in wellness programs.

· Accuracy and timeliness of garnishments, tax off-sets, and verification requests.

· Completion of regular and ad hoc payroll reporting on time and without errors.

WORK SCHEDULE/TRAVEL

Work schedule/hours

Travel

8:00am – 5:00pm

Minimal overnight travel (up to 10%) by land and/or air

MAJOR CHALLENGES AND KEY DECISIONS

· Thinking critically to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

· Requires independent decision-making and judgment

· Must be able to think outside the box, explore alternative methods, and stay abreast of trends and improvements

· Requires analysis to get to root cause while meeting deadlines and timeliness.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Degree/DiplomaObtained

Program of Study

Required/Preferred

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred

Preferred

Additional Education Requirements

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Years of Experience

Job Category

Required/Preferred

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience

Human Resources, with a focus on payroll administration, 401(k) plan management, and wellness program development.

Required

Additional Experience Requirements

Prior management or supervisory experience is required.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Required/Preferred

CCP (Certified Payroll Professional)

Preferred

Additional Certification Requirements

SKILLS

Computer Skills

Reasoning Ability

Use of intermediate software packages (word processing, spreadsheets)

Solve practical problems/deal with a variety of concrete variables with limited standardization

SKILLS- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

COMPETENCIES

Title and Description

Strategic Thinking & Planning

Have a clear accurate understanding of policies and goals, suggest strategy to achieve the goals systematically and make concrete execution plans.

Problem Solving

Takes proactive approaches to anticipate and prevent issues. When problems occur, this person is able to define, investigate, gather relevant information, and decide whether the issue requires a group decision. This person also generates and analyzes alternate solutions to arrive at a workable solution. Rarely settles for the quickest solution and/or is taken by surprise when problems occur.

System Management

Effectively manages the system(s) used to execute job related tasks and processes that may involve internal/external users. Available as a resource for system questions, issues, or trouble shooting. This may require training when new processes are rolled out and/or there are system upgrades.

Process Management

Takes a systematic approach in contributing to making the company's workflow more effective, efficient, and capable of adapting to an ever-changing environment. Able to effectively manage processes related to their job function and all contributing parties from start to finish.

Partnership

Able to build effective working relationships with other departments. Shares information, ideas, concerns and best practices with their own team members as well as others and collaborates with team leaders to meet organizational goals and objectives. Is clear and reliable in their communication.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Activity Level

Lifting Requirements

Work Environment

Light/non-strenuous daily activity

Up to 5 pounds