Payroll/Benefits Specialist

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST APPLY ON COMPANY WEBSITE: https://ats4.atenterprise.powerschool.com/ats/job_board_form?op=view&JOB_ID=4600283113&REPRESENTATIVE_COMPANY_ID=JA002064&COMPANY_ID=JA001160

Capital Region ESD 113 is committed to closing gaps, growing people, influencing change, and eradicating racism through our service to our region and state. BIPOC as well as culturally and linguistically diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Payroll/Benefits Specialist

Purpose Statement

The job of Payroll/Benefits Specialist is done for the purpose/s of facilitating the accurate preparation of all payroll and associated reporting in a timely manner; overseeing the development and maintenance of procedures and functions to ensure the agency's benefit programs are administered to policy, collective bargaining agreements, and the law; tracking changes and interpreting legal requirements related to employee benefits; and maintaining records and correspondence for all related vendors in accordance with record retention schedules.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: Per the essential functions and educational requirements listed below.

This job reports to Controller

Essential Functions

• Analyzes reports and communicates with management for the purpose of correcting discrepancies.
• Assists with preparing financial and statistical reports for the purpose of providing required information and/or ensuring compliance with established procedures.
• Communicates with staff and supervisors concerning payroll discrepancies for the purpose of correcting discrepancies.
• Compiles data, issues warrants for payment, communicates with agencies concerning questions or problems for the purpose of preparing monthly and quarterly payroll deduction and tax reports for amounts due to government and private agencies.
• Compiles data, reviews hours worked to determine individual eligibility for retirement benefits, works with state retirement agency to resolve discrepancies in data for the purpose of preparing monthly and annual reports for retirement system.
• Coordinates with other staff (e.g. year-end closing, etc.) for the purpose of completing assigned duties accurately and in a timely manner.
• Coordinates and analyzes software release/upgrades for the purpose of ensuring accuracy of releases and corrects error correction related to releases.
• Coordinates annual employees sick leave buy back, distributes buy back forms, receives and processes completed forms for the purpose of calculating the number of sick leave hours for employees exceeding minimum hours requirement.
• Develops and presents employee training sessions (e.g. New Employee Onboarding, Benefit Training for internal users, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring ESD 113 employees are informed of their benefit choices, and ensuring that new employees complete required forms.
• Documents system processes, procedures and set up for the purpose of maintaining current systems.
• Interprets the output of the reports and understands the errors and the steps required to correct errors for the purpose of identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Performs general clerical functions (e.g. copying, filing, faxing, answering telephones, etc.) for the purpose of providing/maintaining required documentation and/or referring callers to appropriate personnel.
• Prepares and analyzes statistical and financial data (e.g. time sheets, payroll report information, etc.) for the purpose of providing information for recommendations and budgeting purposes.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. verification of employment, memos, reports, letters, personnel action forms, daily/monthly/quarterly/year-end reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting payroll activities, providing written reference, conveying information and/or complying with financial, legal and administrative requirements.
• Processes a variety of fiscal information for the purpose of updating information and/or authorizing final action in compliance with accounting requirements.
• Provides payroll information to individual staff members concerning salaries and benefits for the purpose of conveying information regarding payroll services.
• Provides direction to other Payroll staff, oversees daily functions, coordinates workload and deadlines for the purpose of efficient delivery of payroll services.
• Receives payroll records from staff to verify hours worked and program code, enters payroll information into computer system by monthly deadlines, verifies accuracy of data entered, enters information into computer for monthly payroll reports, generates preliminary reports and final payroll documentation, orders, receives, verifies and distributes or mails payroll warrants for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and providing efficient delivery of payroll services.
• Receives all garnishments (e.g. collection agencies, support enforcement and IRS liens, etc.) for the purpose of processing withheld funds as required and forwarding to the appropriate agency.
• Reconciles fiscal information and account balances as assigned (e.g. time and effort tracking, invoices, report data, insurance billings, travel expense vouchers, account codes, eligibility information, etc.) for the purpose of verifying accuracy of information, maintaining accurate balances and complying with accounting practices.
• Researches information for the purpose of providing supervisor with details needed for decisions involving payroll.
• Researches discrepancies of financial information and/or documentation for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and adhering to procedures prior to processing for action.
• Responds to inquiries from various internal and external sources (e.g. staff, insurance companies, providers, county coordinators, county fiscal department and state agencies, vendors, etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or appropriate referrals.
• Reviews, revises, and recommends new business processes and procedures for the purpose of maintaining current practices.
• Serves as a resource to school district personnel, OSPI, ESD, county offices, the public, etc. for the purpose of providing necessary information for completing transactions, taking appropriate action and/or complying with established fiscal guidelines.

Marginal Functions

• Assists other personnel for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; performing accounting procedures; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting/bookkeeping principles; state and federal laws relating to employee benefits; payroll taxes and payroll compensation and pertinent codes, regulations, policies and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working with constant interruptions; working with detailed information; and developing amenable relationships with vendors and staff to convey a positive image for the Payroll Department, Internal Business office, and the agency.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: AA degree preferred, though may be waived in lieu of any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position. At least 2 years of relevant job experience in an educational setting preferred.

Required Testing Certificates and Licenses

Continuing Educ. / Training Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance
WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

Non Exempt

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.95 - $36.41 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Tumwater, WA 98512: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Payroll: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $36