Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Position Overview

Responsible for the accurate and timely processing of district payroll and administration of employee benefit programs. Maintains payroll and benefits records, processes employee changes and deductions, prepares required reports and payments, and provides information and assistance to employees regarding payroll, insurance, and benefits. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and district policies while maintaining strict confidentiality of employee information.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Additional coursework or training in accounting, payroll, human resources, or benefits administration preferred.

Experience:

• 2�3 years of experience in payroll, accounting, benefits administration, human resources, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with payroll processing and employee benefits administration in a school district or public-sector environment preferred.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of payroll accounting procedures and basic accounting principles.
• Knowledge of employee benefits programs, insurance administration, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Ability to accurately calculate wages, deductions, withholdings, and benefit premiums.
• Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and auditable records.
• Ability to work with numbers accurately and efficiently while meeting established deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and communicate payroll, insurance, and benefits information to employees.
• Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate information individually and in small- and large-group settings.
• Proficiency in keyboarding, file maintenance, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and applicable payroll/HR software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and financial information.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Payroll Administration

1. Prepare and process accurate district payroll according to established procedures, payroll calendars, and applicable laws and regulations.
2. Receive, review, and audit time records and supporting documentation for all district employees.
3. Calculate employee wages, salaries, hours worked, overtime, stipends, supplemental pay, withholdings, deductions, and net pay.
4. Review and balance payroll earnings, deductions, and benefit deductions prior to payroll processing.
5. Process payroll changes, including new hires, salary changes, supplemental pay, deductions, leave-related changes, terminations, and other employee transactions.
6. Initiate payroll-related transfers, deposits, and other financial transactions as required.
7. Maintain accurate payroll registers, employee payroll records, and supporting documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
8. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee questions, and other payroll-related issues in a timely and professional manner.

Benefits Administration

1. Administer district employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending or medical reimbursement programs, and other applicable benefits.
2. Process employee benefit enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations within required timelines.
3. Serve as a primary resource for employees regarding benefit plans, eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and administrative questions.
4. Act as liaison between employees, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit providers to resolve enrollment, billing, and coverage issues.
5. Assist with new employee benefits orientation and enrollment.
6. Coordinate the annual benefits open enrollment process, including preparing and distributing enrollment materials, conducting employee presentations, and processing enrollment elections.
7. Provide required notices and documentation related to COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable benefits requirements.
8. Monitor employee benefit deductions and eligibility to ensure payroll and benefit records remain accurate and current.

Records, Reports, and Compliance

1. Prepare, verify, and submit required payroll reports and forms to applicable agencies and organizations, including the IRS, Texas Workforce Commission, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, FICA/Medicare, Texas New Hire Reporting, and other regulatory entities.
2. Prepare and reconcile monthly insurance premium statements and submit documentation to the appropriate department for payment.
3. Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records, including employee files, payroll documentation, leave records, benefit records, and other required documentation.
4. Compile and prepare payroll and benefits reports, audits, reconciliations, and other information as requested.
5. Maintain and distribute benefits-related forms, materials, handbooks, and other employee resources.
6. Assist with preparation and updating of benefits communications and employee benefits materials.

Customer Service and Collaboration

1. Work cooperatively with Human Resources, Finance, campus administrators, department heads, campus and department secretaries, and employees to ensure the accuracy and timely processing of payroll and benefits information.
2. Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, insurance, benefits, and related matters and provide timely, courteous assistance.
3. Provide employment and income verification information to financial institutions and other authorized entities in accordance with district procedures.
4. Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, payroll, benefits, and financial information.
5. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Competitive Salary: To be determined by breadth of experience and the LVISD Salary Schedule
Generous Benefits: TRS Active-Care - The District pays $445 a month toward the employee health insurance premiums; vision and dental offered; cafeteria plan available.

Lago Vista Independent School District is a 4A public school district based in Lago Vista, Texas, approximately 20 miles northwest of Austin. Situated on the north shore of Lake Travis in the beautiful Texas hill country, Lago Vista has a population of approximately 10,000 residents. This unique community offers the warmth of a small town, but is within a 20 minute drive to the conveniences of the city - apartment living, shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. Employees who choose to live in Austin can enjoy a drive to and from work against traffic. Come be part of a collaborative work team where you feel part of a family, know all the students by name, and have the potential to truly make a positive impact. For additional information, please visit the district website at: www.lagovistaisd.net