Payroll Benefits Specialist

Mt. Hood Community College - Gresham, OR

Part-time

Gresham, OR

Educational Services

About the position

The Payroll Benefits Specialist at Mt. Hood Community College is responsible for performing essential duties related to the accurate calculation, audit, and analysis of wages, as well as the maintenance of payroll benefit records. This role involves distributing payroll reports and managing withheld monies for all College employees. The specialist will calculate deductions for insurance premiums and reconcile payments for benefit invoices and payroll deductions. A key aspect of this position is effective communication with insurance carriers and other program vendors, ensuring that all payroll-related processes are executed smoothly. Additionally, the specialist will prepare, calculate, verify, submit, and reconcile records for the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Providing excellent customer service to employees is paramount, as the specialist will serve as the primary contact for payroll benefits inquiries. The work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and the position is performed on-site at the Gresham, OR campus. Essential duties include general ledger account reconciliations, distribution of payroll reports, auditing and balancing payrolls with source documents, and processing direct deposits and checks. The specialist will also maintain all Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) deductions, manage union dues, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and union reporting requirements. This role requires a high degree of tact and diplomacy when interacting with college employees, retirees, and students, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks and shifting priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Perform general ledger account reconciliations and distribute payroll reports.
• Reconcile and process payments for benefit invoices and payroll deductions.
• Audit and balance payrolls with source documents and resolve discrepancies.
• Process direct deposits and check functions.
• Act as the primary contact for payroll benefits and provide customer service to college staff, students, and external agencies.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve requests and concerns promptly.
• Enter and maintain all Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) deductions and reconcile related invoices.
• Maintain deductions for union dues and perform annual dues updates for all unions.
• Manage all Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) related records and reconcile PERS data.
• Process, pay, and reconcile employee optional benefits such as retirement and health savings accounts.
• Prepare and submit required federal, state, and union reporting.
• Manage garnishment write and process garnishment payments after payrolls are completed.
• Prepare invoices as required for PERS and other benefits accounts.
• Assist with preparation of form 1095 filing.
• Calculate pay for various employee groups in accordance with union contracts and college policy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of payroll experience.
• Intermediate skills using Microsoft Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate degree in accounting or related field.
• Experience working with Oregon PERS.
• Experience with payroll benefits.