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Role:

We are hiring a Benefits and Payroll Specialist.  The role is responsible for administering, analyzing, and executing benefits, wellness, and  payroll  for the organization. This role ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, and FMLA, and plays a key part in supporting total rewards strategies aligned with organizational goals. This position also handles in-house payroll functions, supports benefits administration and compliance (including non-discrimination testing and 5500 filings), and serves as a subject matter expert for employee leave and benefit inquiries.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration & Compliance: 

• Administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement benefits, including leave programs.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit inquiries and communicate updates regarding eligibility, coverage, and changes.
• Administer the organization's wellness program, coordinating campaigns and initiatives that promote employee health and well-being.
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to deliver wellness programming, health screenings, educational sessions, and challenges.
• Oversee full lifecycle of FMLA leave administration, from initial notice through return-to-work, including eligibility determination, paperwork, intermittent leave tracking, and communication between employees and managers.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS Section 125, non-discrimination testing, and annual 5500 audits.
• Partner with HR leadership, vendors and brokers to manage open enrollment and regulatory filings.
• Advise managers and employees on the intersection of leave laws with sick, vacation, workers' comp, and short- and long-term disability plans.
• Conduct benefit-related surveys, research trends, and analyze benchmarking data to guide plan decisions and ensure competitiveness.
• Coordinate communication and training efforts related to benefit offerings and changes.

Compensation & Payroll Administration: 

• Perform all aspects of payroll processing, including regular, bonus, manual, and commission payrolls, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to FUTA, SUTA, UI, tax deposits, garnishments, and W-2/W-3 filings.
• Verifies new hire setup, pay changes, deductions (insurance, retirement, garnishments), and final pay.
• Track employee time and attendance issues; enter corrections and ensure accurate reporting.
• Coordinate with external vendors for year-end processing and audits related to workers’ compensation, unemployment, and IRS reporting.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to enhance the total rewards offering and supports communication strategies that promote employee understanding and appreciation of total compensation.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience

-Three to five years plus experience as a Benefits and Payroll Specialist. Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data and trends.

Education/Certifications/Licenses

-High school diploma required. Professional certifications in compensation and benefits (e.g., Certified Compensation Professional - CCP) are a plus.

Other Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and payroll tax laws.

• Proficient in HRIS/payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.  

• Strong analytical and communication skills; comfortable advising employees and managers.

• Experience with 5500 audits, non-discrimination testing, and wellness program coordination - preferred

• Certifications such as PHR, SHRM-CP, CBP, or CPP a plus.

Physical Requirements 

Perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing/descending stairs in emergency situation. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including telephone, copier, facsimile, and calculator. Must be able to routinely perform work on computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance.

Must be able to routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work area with minimal noise.

Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of customer service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines and   requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. 

Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.

Must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Community First is an Equal Opportunity Employer.