Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Overview Reporting to and supporting the US HR Leader, this position offers a unique opportunity to expand beyond payroll and benefit administration and support the HR team more broadly.  While this position will have primary responsibilities for all aspects of Bakelite’s payroll and benefit administration, it will also serve as the first point of contact for associates regarding all human resource-related inquiries as well as assisting with the talent acquisition process. This individual will be accountable for managing the third-party payroll and benefit processing vendor relationship, conducting payroll and benefit plan audits and running reports within the prescribed timeframes, partnering with the HRBPs to support the entire HR function including talent acquisition, leave management and HRM data processing.  This position will operate under minimal supervision and requires independent decision-making skills while exercising tact, judgment and confidentiality when interacting with a wide variety of internal and external customers in a highly professional manner. Country USA Function Human Resources Essential Job Responsibilities Payroll: Be able to understand and administer all aspects of payroll including, but not limited to, timekeeping, payroll inputs, payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, etc. Partner with third party payroll and benefit partners to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local agency payroll tax laws and regulations Work with managed services payroll team to ensure accuracy and timely completion of payroll and processing of any related documents Collaborate with Accounts Payable and Treasury to ensure timely and accurate funding of post-payroll processing such as disbursements, taxes, retirement benefits and other required payments Perform regular audits of payroll system data and data feeds with providers to ensure accuracy and functionality  Process accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year-end-related activities (e.g., W-2, 1095, etc.) Process certain data for mass uploads Benefits: Administer benefit programs including the day-to-day activities, audits, testing, and coordinating the interaction between associates, providers, and payroll system Perform monthly audits and reconciliation of benefit invoices, ensuring timely payment of invoices Act as the liaison with health & welfare and retirement benefits providers, brokers and/or consultants to develop and revise plans; ensure accurate summary plan descriptions; ensure accurate billing, coding, and payment; resolve discrepancies with carriers; ensure appropriate policies; and facilitate accurate administration of plan documents. Maintain a thorough understanding of Bakelite's benefit plans, program offerings, and regulatory benefit requirements Facilitate the new hire benefits orientation as well as other benefits training Assist with management and performance review of provider/vendor accountabilities. Additional Duties: Provide excellent customer service to associates on a wide variety of issues including, the use of HRIS and related HR systems, payroll, benefits, and timekeeping and other HR issues Provide technical support, test system functionality, and work with end users to provide system support and troubleshoot system problems Manage and administer leave-of-absence and FMLA requests and disability paperwork Compile and maintain procedures and manuals for payroll and benefits processing Prepare monthly documentation and reports to support financial and program audits Assist with Bakelite’s recruitment efforts for posting jobs, coordinating and conducting interviews, performing pre-employment assessments, maintaining recruiting files and databases, and coordinating orientation and onboarding activities for new hires Engage as a competent contact for internal and external inquiries Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent At least 5 years of relevant work experience Working knowledge and thorough understanding of payroll, employment and benefits compliance Experience with a payroll system(s) and platform Proficient in MS Office, specifically skilled with Excel Good spoken and written English language skills Preferred Qualifications Payroll, Benefit and/or HR certification preferred Experience with Ceridian Dayforce preferred Thorough and independent work approach, loyal, work well independently and within a team Previous experience working at a medium to large industrial company is a plus