POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Payroll & Benefits Specialist administers the activities relating to the company payroll, benefits and leave administration. The position performs and supports all tasks and activities necessary to process the company payroll, including maintaining related records, processing involuntary and voluntary deductions and garnishments, and preparing required reports for management.
This position will be based in our Buffalo, NY office and will offer the option to work from home.
This is a 6 month temporary to permanent position.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities
- Perform and support all activities necessary to process multi-state payroll in accordance with the company’s pay schedule(s) including maintaining related records, processing involuntary and voluntary deductions such as ESPP, 401k, HSA, and garnishments.
- Ensure SOX compliance by adhering to internal controls requirements.
- Support the review of timecard information submitted by employees to ensure accuracy prior to processing.
- Ensure correct processing of special payroll items such as Disability and Military payments; relocation, car allowances, or other expenses; additional payroll runs for bonuses or recognition of stock earnings.
- Balance the payroll accounts by resolving payroll discrepancies in coordination with the Finance department.
- Ensure compliance with federal and multi-state payroll tax regulations, respond, and resolve payroll tax issues, and ensure adequate tax registration and correct tax rates in the system. Advise HR management on any needed action and provide required notifications to employees.
- Support quarterly reconciliation of Wage and Tax Reports and calendar year-end processing of payroll, including supplemental payrolls, W-2 and other tax forms, and other government-required documentation.
- Ensure accurate benefits entry in systems, and reconciliation of year-end requirements. Includes but not limited to 401(k) administrations, Stock Plan administration, Benefits and HSA account administration and audit participation.
- Communicate actively with Accounting, Operations, HR, and other departments to review cross-departmental impacts and reconcile data sharing. .
- Actively support the maintenance of employee records (manually and electronically) to reflect all changes in employment (i.e. hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, benefits enrollments, involuntary deductions, etc.) in accordance with the company’s record retention policies and procedures, and with state and federal laws and regulations.
- Compile statistical data and information, maintain various records, and prepare special and periodic reports.
- Respond to internal Workers’ Compensation inquiries including audit support.
- Support all participant equity plan transactions (grants, exercises, terminations, leaves, etc.) and ensure that they are correctly processed in a timely manner. Work closely with outside service providers, such as our equity systems vendor, transfer agent, and broker service providers.
- Support verifications of employment upon request including inquiries from state unemployment offices, banks, or other agencies.
- Processes monthly billings from benefit providers. Reviews billings for accuracy and approves for payment in a timely manner. Resolves discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
- Special projects as assigned.
Required Education & Qualifications
- Previous experience working with Dayforce and Ceridian Payroll strongly preferred.
- 4 to 6 years multi-state payroll, and payroll tax experience required. Equity plan administration experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; advanced knowledge of MS Excel.
- Self-motivated with strong organizational/prioritization skills and ability to multi-task with close attention to detail.
- Exceptional relationship and communication skills with ability to present analyses and findings in both verbal and written formats to all levels of management
- Ability to work with highly sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Self-starter with initiative who can lead and work in a fast-paced and changing environment and is able to handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work through processes, identify and implement process improvements, and resolve complex payroll matters.
Athenex is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Athenex is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify HR and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.