Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Unclassified - Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Tucson, AZ

About the position

The Benefits and Payroll Specialist is a vital role within the Human Resources department, responsible for processing payroll and maintaining employee records to ensure accurate and timely payroll in compliance with established procedures. This position also involves administering TFCU employee benefit programs and managing HRIS data. The specialist will perform all in-house payroll procedures, which include entering compensation data, processing employee time records, and updating HRIS information to ensure accuracy for each payroll cycle. Regular assessments will be conducted to identify areas for improvement in processes to enhance efficiency. In addition to payroll processing, the specialist will oversee the effective administration of various benefit programs, including insurance plans, 401(k) and pension plans, TFCU incentive plans, and PTO/vacation plans. Responsibilities also include processing and reconciling monthly benefit vendor invoices, managing annual Open Enrollment, and facilitating new hire benefit enrollment while ensuring clear communication regarding plan information. The role requires maintaining administration and support of all Human Resources information systems (HRIS) and managing employee leave of absence and accommodation requests, providing necessary documentation and tracking. The Benefits and Payroll Specialist will also process employee worker's compensation claims and maintain vendor relationships, including billing. Assisting internal and external auditors by providing information on processes and supporting documentation required for audits is another critical function of this role. Compliance with state and federal banking regulations is essential, and the specialist must attend training sessions and complete compliance training annually while maintaining member and TFCU privacy and confidentiality. Other duties include processing new and separated employees, monitoring employee promotions, transfers, salary changes, and retirements in HRIS, updating employee personnel files, and maintaining digital benefits and leave of absence folders. The specialist will respond to DES unemployment claims and wage audits, provide backup support to the HR department, and gain and retain a high-level knowledge of all TFCU products, policies, and procedures. Adherence to TFCU's attendance and punctuality policy and maintaining a professional appearance in accordance with TFCU's dress code policy are also required. Engagement in behavior that aligns with the credit union's cultural beliefs is expected.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll and maintain employee records to ensure accurate and timely payroll.
• Administer TFCU employee benefit programs and manage HRIS data.
• Perform all in-house payroll procedures, including entering compensation data and processing employee time records.
• Regularly assess and determine improvement areas in payroll processes for efficiency.
• Oversee the administration of benefit programs, including insurance plans, 401(k), and pension plans.
• Process and reconcile monthly benefit vendor invoices.
• Manage annual Open Enrollment and new hire benefit enrollment, including communication regarding plan information.
• Maintain administration and support of all Human Resources information systems (HRIS).
• Manage employee leave of absence and accommodation requests, providing required documentation and tracking.
• Process employee worker's compensation claims and maintain vendor relationships.
• Assist internal and external auditors with required documentation for audits.
• Abide by state and federal banking regulations and complete compliance training annually.
• Process new and separated employees and monitor promotions, transfers, salary changes, and retirements in HRIS.
• Update employee personnel files and maintain digital benefits and leave of absence folders.
• Respond to DES unemployment claims and wage audits.
• Provide backup support to the HR department, including lobby coverage.

Requirements

• High school diploma or its equivalent required.
• Minimum two (2) years of applicable Human Resource experience required.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in administrative support roles preferred.
• Experience in using HR technology or related digital technologies in a corporate environment preferred.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.
• Proficient in HR software, technology solutions, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong data management and analytic skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic understanding of standard accounting practices and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of employment practices and law, including wage and hour compliance, FMLA, and COBRA.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a corporate environment with HR technology solutions.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).