Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Company: Branford Public Schools
Location: Branford
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Position Type:
Central Office/Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Date Posted:
1/4/2023

Location:
185 Damascus Road, Branford, CT 06405

Date Available:
January 2023

Closing Date:
Until FilledTitle: Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Department: Central Office (Talent Services)

Position definition: The Payroll/Benefits Coordinator performs a wide range of payroll and benefits related duties for the school district. Work requires initiative and independent judgment in the application of described policies, procedures, and methods, seeking guidance from Supervisor as needed.

Supervision received: Receives general direction from the Payroll Supervisor, who outlines general policies, assigns duties and reviews work for conformance with standards; performs duties independently, and, when appropriate, seek clarification from supervisor.

Salary: $31-$34 per hour

Examples of essential duties:

• Responsible for all aspects of payroll processing for school employees. Conducts review, analysis, and entry of payroll related information ensuring accuracy and compliance with wage and hour laws, collective bargaining agreements, and other guidelines. Reviews wages computed and corrects errors to ensure accuracy of payroll. Authorizes payroll input for the school department.
• Data entry, processing, and distribution of a bi-weekly payroll for approximately 800 employees.
• Prepares and processes requests to Town Finance office for transfers of funds needed to cover weekly or bi-weekly payrolls. Processes cash receipts and deposits to the bank or through electronic media.
• Balance and distribute payroll and withholding accounts, prepare required governmental reports, retirement, IRS, W-2's, etc.
• Updates and maintains employee information in the payroll system and maintains payroll records and employee accruals.
• Provides accurate employee verifications to all external sources, i.e., loan verification and final salary affidavits.
• Ensures that all federal, state, and local taxing liabilities and reporting are in compliance.
• Maintains working knowledge of individual and bargaining unit contracts.
• Responsible for balancing, processing, and uploading of monthly pension reports accurately and within deadlines.
• Administers all employee/retiree benefit programs to include but not limited to health, dental, life, retirement plans, flexible spending, disability, and COBRA.
• Provide customer service by communicating information and answers questions and concerns from employees and retirees regarding coverage and/or benefit plans. Provides appropriate forms and paperwork upon request. Processes enrollments, changes, and claims. Investigates inquiries from employees regarding benefits-related matters and solves problems.
• Administers and oversees benefit changes and calculations for employees and retirees. Ensures that the payroll and retirement system is updated accordingly.
• Assists with coordination and administration of activities and events related to employee and retiree benefits such as annual open enrollment, including the preparation of rate sheets and other correspondence.
• Keeps up to date with and complied with changing federal and state laws affecting insurance subscribers and HIPAA regulations. Minimum qualifications required:
• High School Diploma or equivalent, Associates Degree preferred.
• 3 or more years of bookkeeping and payroll experience, preferably in a municipal setting: or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience with MUNIS Human Resources and Payroll software modules preferred.
• A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the abilities to perform the responsibilities of this position may be considered in lieu of stated education and experience requirements. Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Must be able to quickly acquire a proficiency in district software applications MUNIS, Time Clock Plus and Talent Ed.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft office, and Google Suite.
  • Possesses a though understanding of standard payroll and human resources data elements and relationships sufficient to permit effective research and report generation.
  • Ability to write clear and concise business correspondence and instructions.
  • Ability to resolve problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited precedent or standardization exists.
  • Ability to organize projects, prioritize workflow and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately.
  • Demonstrates judgment, initiative and tact in dealing with staff and the public.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagrammatic or schedule form. License or certificate: A Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license is desirable.
    
    Physical, mental exertion/environmental conditions: There is regular intermittent exposure to computer screen. Performs duties in an office environment. May be required to lift and move weights up to 20 pounds. Uses repetitive motions in operating office equipment, including keyboards, calculators, fax machines and copiers. Must be able to hear clearly (correctable to within normal limits) to record telephone information, and to see (vision correctable to 20/20) to complete applications and forms. Adaptive technology may be used.
    
    Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Keywords: Branford Public Schools, New England , Payroll and Benefits Specialist, Human Resources , Branford, Northeast