Payroll & Benefits Specialist

$65,000 - $75,000/Yr

Unclassified - Saint Louis, MO

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Louis, MO

About the position

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a crucial role in enhancing and streamlining payroll and benefits processes within the organization. This position is responsible for the accurate and timely execution of payroll across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with state and tax laws, and managing complex payroll tasks. Additionally, the Specialist administers employee benefits programs and ensures compliance with policies, regulations, and applicable transactions, serving as a key resource for reliable access to payroll and benefits information.

Responsibilities

• Collect, review, and maintain employee data in the Payroll/HRIS system.
• Process weekly and biweekly payrolls, payroll taxes, and routine payroll tasks.
• Handle per diem, travel incentives, and other allowances for employees on temporary assignments away from their home base.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state employment laws and taxation differences, especially concerning temporary work locations.
• Remit weekly and monthly union fringes and assist with union audits.
• Support the coordination of tax filings in the payroll system.
• Process payroll-related transactions, including employee benefits.
• Complete third-party payroll and employment verifications.
• Resolve payroll issues and respond promptly to all payroll-related questions from employees.
• Assist with the preparation of Worker's Comp renewals and audits.
• Support retirement benefit plans and other periodic projects as needed.
• Utilize hands-on knowledge and analytical troubleshooting expertise in Payroll/HRIS systems.
• Coordinate annual merit increases and bonuses with senior leadership.
• Administer various employee benefits programs, including group health, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, life, disability, and employee assistance plans.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files and ensure benefit changes are entered appropriately in the HRIS system, including enrollments, terminations, and qualifying events.
• Assist in developing and implementing new processes and technology applicable to the role.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, HR Management, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of proven payroll and/or benefits experience; FPC certification preferred.
• Prior work experience involving payroll processing and reporting in multiple jurisdictions with multiple sites.
• Experience managing per diem, travel incentives, and other allowances for employees on temporary assignments.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits, fringe benefits, union dues, and certified payrolls.
• Experience with UKG is a plus.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and SharePoint.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with self-insured medical plans preferred.

Benefits

• Dental insurance