Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Messina Group is assisting our client with their search for a Payroll and Benefits Specialist for their Human Resources department. Main responsibilities include payroll administration, 401(k) administration, health insurance administration, and other benefits administration. Also supports other HR functions, including expatriate payroll, income tax, and visa support.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Exercise confidentiality and information protection protocols and protect all confidential and personal information. Keep trained and updated on all confidentiality and data protection protocols.
• Perform payroll-related functions by checking attendance and availability of paid time off and sick leave balances in the payroll system; by entering and maintaining employee payroll and benefits information in the payroll system; by processing monthly exempt payrolls, by processing quarterly and yearend adjustments for ex-pats; and by training employees to use the payroll system to obtain payroll information.
• Maintain payroll and benefits-related reports, budgets, and data. Create specific reports as requested.
• Prepares and processes expatriate payroll. Communicates with HQ in Japan and with expatriates to properly administer expatriate payroll and income tax preparation. Works with CPA firm for expatriate payroll adjustments.
• Supports expatriate visa processing and renewals. 
• Check accuracy of funding in the Company 401(k) Plan.
• Maintains employee I-9 records and copies. Follows up for documents requiring updates, moves, and adds documents in a timely manner. Ensures documents are completed and verified in an accurate and timely manner.
• Support external and internal audits for payroll, benefits, and 401(k) Plan.
• Cross checks benefits billings for accuracy.
• Responsible for open enrollment, new enrollment, changes to an employee account, and other benefits-related administration.
• Keeps updated and accurate records of employee counts and when requested for group affiliates.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Immediately notifies supervisor (or supervisor’s manager in supervisor’s absence) of any issues or concerns.

 
Shared Responsibilities:

• Supports, participates, and completes other projects and programs as assigned or requested.
• Performs time-sensitive backup functions during team members' absence. Cross-trains in areas where training may be required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems.
• Possession of a valid state driver’s license and a valid passport are required.

 
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three plus years of strong payroll, benefits, and HR experience.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including benefits administration, and federal and state respective employment laws.

 
Competencies

• Communication – Communicates effectively and appropriately. Uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience. Listens to others and allows them to make their point.
• Dependability – Makes and fulfills commitments. Has established a pattern of working independently, meeting reasonable deadlines, and accepting responsibility for his or her actions. Willingly makes promises and fully intends to keep them. Arrives at work on time and is ready to contribute. Shows up for meetings well-prepared.
• Managing Multiple Priorities – Handles multiple assignments and priorities yet still fulfills all commitments. Readily accepts new responsibilities and adapts well to changes in procedures. Gives appropriate priorities to various work demands.
• Quality of Work – Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high-quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.
• Technical Credibility – Has achieved credibility related to technical standards and procedures by demonstrating a depth of judgment, knowledge and technical skill important for the position. Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements and policies related to the position.

 
Expected Hours of Work:

• Monday through Friday, generally 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM with occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

 
Travel:

• This position requires mostly domestic travel for business purposes. The frequency of travel will be dependent upon business requirements. This position requires the ability to drive for business purposes.

Our client offers a generous benefits package.