Payroll & Benefits Specialist (Experienced)

Credit Union West has been named a ‘Top Company to Work for in Arizona’ for the 14th year in a row (2014-2026)! This prestigious award announced by BestCompaniesAZ is earned by achieving stellar marks in a comprehensive workplace survey, where employees are asked to rate and share feedback including culture, leadership and overall satisfaction.
Credit Union West continuously looks for ways to improve employee satisfaction and experience.  In addition to high paying wages, Credit Union West also offers the following:  

• Full-time employees receive 100% paid health, dental & vision insurance
• Earn incentives up to 10%
• 401K plan with employer matching funds up to 5%
• Profit Sharing
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick days
• Credit Union West membership and discounts

Be part of our award-winning team!

Recent ADP Workforce Now experience strongly preferred.

POSITION SUMMARY 

People Specialist - Payroll and Benefits (PSPB) will serve our employees and leaders with a primary focus of building solid relationships to support engagement and to strengthen the culture of the credit union. The PSPB will deliver value-added services in key areas such as Payroll processing and reporting, Recognition, Benefits, Retirement, Wellness and Health, and various administrative duties to ensure the credit union is in compliant with all appropriate laws and guidelines of the credit union. The PSPB is a Champion of the culture and exhibits our values in every interaction in serving the workforce. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Payroll Processing and Reporting-Responsible for payroll administration and processing of bi-weekly payroll assuring accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. Serves as a trusted partner to assist leaders and employees on payroll matters related to federal and state regulations/laws. Ensuring new employees are onboarded into the payroll and benefit systems. Maintains and processes benefit and payroll deductions, accruals for all employees, reviewing for accuracy in the payroll system. Works with Accounting to reconcile accurate payroll and benefits data, journal entries, monthly premiums statements, and invoices for payment. Updates payroll records and performs required reporting. Works with appropriate leaders to resolve discrepancies. Assists in all HR communication, including employee questions regarding payroll and benefits. 

• Benefits and Retirement Administration-Coordinates the administration of employee benefit plans including 401K, health and welfare, retirement, and other benefits. Serves as a trusted partner to assist leaders and employees on benefits matters related to federal and state regulations/laws. Advises employees on eligibility, provisions and other matters related to benefits. Prepares new employee files, verifies 1-9 documentation, assures employee enrollment in all health and welfare benefit plans. Implements and maintains group benefit databases including COBRA, beneficiary changes, disability, 401K rollovers, loans, hardships, and distributions. Maintains benefits records and documents. Reconciles monthly benefits billing statements. Provides statistical reporting necessary for compliance reporting. 

• Recognition and Rewards-Administer recognition programs and assist the Administration Team with the planning, logistics, and execution of employee events that enhance the CUW culture and engagement. Assist all employees and leaders with information on the various recognition and benefits programs. Lead the Recognition Committee to support engagement efforts to strengthen company culture. 

• Wellness and Health Initiatives-Collaborate with internal teams and external vendor partners to identify opportunities for health awareness and engagement, and to drive utilization of health care carriers’ health and wellbeing offerings. Coordination, scheduling, and management wellness events, such as health fairs, lunch & learns, etc. Conduct wellness vendor research to help with the roll out and maintenance of wellness initiatives/programs. Research and communicate industry products, trends, compliance, and regulatory issues as they relate to wellness. 

• Administrative and Reporting-Complete timely employee questions through various communication channels in relations to payroll, benefits, retirement, wellness, etc. and ensure all proper documentation for employee matters is captured and organized in the employee files. Review and process reporting in a timely manner. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

EDUCATION: 

Minimum 3-5 years related experience in Human Resources, Psychology, or other related experience required. Strong knowledge in HRIS systems.

EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s degree at an accredited educational facility preferred. PHR, SPHR, CP-SHRM, OR SCP-SHRM strongly preferred.  

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES   

• Live the mission, vision, and core values of the credit union. 

• Able to communicate effectively and tactfully with employees and members both orally and in writing. 

• Demonstrate critical thinking and being self-reliant to better analyze and solve problems. 

• Effective time management and organizational skills. Ability to multi-task and be agile to serve members and employees. 

• Maintain working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and collaborative tools (Teams and Zoom). 

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of organization’s Employee Handbook and policies. 

• Must demonstrate a functional knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act in addition to other Federal laws, including but not limited to U.S. Patriot Act, Office of Foreign Assets & Control, Anti Money Laundering, Right to Financial Privacy Act, and the Bank Bribery Act. 

Key words: Payroll, Benefits, ADP