Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Working at Kirtland CU is more than a job-it's a career, and one in the financial world! We pride ourselves on helping our employees learn, grow, and advance in any direction they choose. We offer a highly competitive salary, great benefits package and an energetic, vibrant work environment. 
We are currently seeking a Payroll & Benefits Administrator to join Kirtland Credit Union! This is a regular, full-time position based at our Kirtland CU Headquarters in Albuquerque, with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule following an introductory period and subject to manager approval.

Join the rest of our teammates and become eligible for a generous benefits package that we offer:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement savings program 
• 401 (k) employer match 
• Paid time off with accrual starting from day one.
• 11 Paid holidays off during the year! 
• Tuition Reimbursement for College Degrees
• Employee Clothing Advance
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Travel Assistance Program

This is what we would like you to do:

The Payroll and Benefits Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the payroll process and the group benefit programs to include employee benefit administration, federal, state and local tax payments, and answering employee questions. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the payroll field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Primary Job Duties:

• Assumes responsibility for the effective performance of operational payroll functions.
• Provide exceptional customer service and act as initial contact for inquiries and issues related to payroll.
• Responsible for data entry, updating and maintaining electronic employee records with accuracy. Ensure all compensation, benefit and demographic information is accurate and updated.
• Process bi-weekly payroll.
• Review employee timesheets and provide additional training to supervisors as needed to ensure payroll is processed in accordance with established policies.
• Assist by recommending process improvements, documenting processes and updates to processes and procedures, and generally promote operational efficiency.
• Prepare all payroll, benefit and related reports.
• Assure timeliness and accuracy of required Payroll, Taxes, Benefit and other compliance filings.
• Take responsibility for preparation of documentation for internal and external auditors. Assists HR staff with maintaining accurate and timely records in anticipation of audits.
• Responsible for year-end reporting, W-2, and associated payroll preparation and reporting.
• Responsible for required Human Resource Information System input related to payroll.
• Assumes responsibility for the effective performance of operational benefit functions.
• Provide exceptional customer service and act as the initial contact for inquiries and issues related to Employee Benefits.
• Assist by designing, recommending, and implementing benefit programs.
• Assist in the management of the benefit plan renewal process to include examining possible plan design or benefit cost changes.
• Serve as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Assure timeliness and accuracy of required Group Benefit, IRS, and other compliance filings.
• Administer all health and wellness, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing benefit plans. 
• Conducts Benefit orientation. 
• Plans and leads Open Enrollment. 
• Ensure employees are enrolled on the proper eligibility date, process deduction/contribution adjustments and changes. Inform employees of entry dates and other adjustments or changes. 
• Keep abreast of benefit regulation changes and policy changes. 
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of employee personnel policies and procedures. 
• Responsible for year-end reporting, W-2, and associated payroll preparation and reporting. 
• Responsible for required Human Resource Information System input related to benefits. 
• Review, audit, reconcile and process employee benefit invoices. 
• Assumes responsibility for supporting Human Resources Department functions.
• Reconcile and research any General Ledger Accounts that relate to payroll and benefits.
• Prepare and support internal and external audits as they relate to payroll and benefits and related.
• Financial Statements.
• Support Accounting Department as needed in reference to payroll and benefit transactions for correct
• posting to the financial statements.
• Ensure employee payroll, benefits, and personnel questions are promptly and courteously resolved.
• Personnel records, documents, and filings are complete, accurate, and timely.
• Subject Matter Expert for Human Resources Information System relating to benefits and payroll.
• Partner and lead payroll and benefit projects or as assigned.
• Report writer for HRIS.
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned by management.
• Completes special requests and projects assigned.
• Ensure work area is clean, secure, and well maintained.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma. 
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business preferred. 
• PHR or payroll certification preferred.

Experience:

• At least 3-5 years of directly related experience.
• Experience with Human Resources Information Systems and payroll systems preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with benefit administration. 
• Demonstrated experience working with Accounts Payable, Finance or Accounting highly preferred. 
• Strong excel experience. 
• Demonstrated experience with year-end payroll reporting, year-end tax reporting, year-end regulatory requirements related to benefits administration. 
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing is highly desired.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of employee benefits programs and compliance requirements. 
• Understanding of Human Resource Department reporting and recordkeeping requirements and procedures.
• Payroll accounting experience with multi-state and wage and hour and functional payroll processing experience.
• Must be proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet. 
• Well organized.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, visit our careers page at www.kirtlandcu.org/careers

Kirtland Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.