Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Abercrombie & Kent - Downers Grove, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Downers Grove, IL

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist at Abercrombie & Kent USA is responsible for the accurate processing of biweekly payroll and the overall administration of the company's benefit programs, including FMLA and 401(k). This role serves as the primary contact for questions regarding payroll and benefits, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations while providing support and education to employees about their benefits.

Responsibilities

• Administers biweekly multi-state payroll in accordance to schedule.
• Prepares 401(k) contribution report for biweekly transmission.
• Reviews biweekly processed payroll reports and W-2 information for accuracy.
• Prepares salary, overtime, and other reports as required.
• Completes government filings (unemployment, IDES, EEOC, etc.) as needed.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws & best practices.
• Partners with the Finance team to ensure accurate and timely payment of earned sales incentives, merit increases and/or bonus payments.
• Maintains the Payroll log and records/imputes specific payments into the appropriate pay period.
• Responsible for the administration and processing of benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, invoicing and data transfers.
• Consistently reviews data in ADP to ensure content is accurate, including timecards and time off requests.
• Works with manager to develop benefit plan structure.
• Designs and manages the annual open enrollment process, including the development and distribution of materials.
• Provides employee support, education and communication regarding all benefit plans.
• Processes enrollment for new employees and manages COBRA notifications upon termination.
• Audits benefit invoices for accuracy and notifies insurance providers of coverage changes.
• Serves as liaison for Brokers, vendors, auditors, and third-party administrators.
• Ensures plan compliance through timely, accurate, and thorough auditing, testing, filing, reporting, and communication.
• Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with applicable federal and state employment laws.
• Manages all administrative aspects of leave claims to include tracking hours used/taken to ensure pay is accurate and correct.
• Works closely with employees on leave to ensure all relevant complete medical documentation is submitted for timely review.
• Maintains appropriate contact with employees on leave and coordinates all aspects of return to work for employees on leave.
• Remains abreast of Federal, State, and Local legislative issues pertaining to employee benefits & payroll.
• Facilitates benefits section in New Employee Orientation.
• Manages company Wellness Program.
• Serves as a resource to the Human Resources team.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local employment laws pertaining to Employee Compensation and Benefit Administration required, including EEOC, FLSA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and Section 125.
• Able to prioritize and concurrently service multiple assignments while ensuring timely completion, accuracy, and quality.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications required, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in the use of Human Resource Information systems and Payroll Administration systems is required.
• Experience with Paylocity, ADP or web-based payroll preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and maintain a 'team' attitude and positive image of the company.
• Proven presentation and facilitation skills with groups of all sizes.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Experience in providing extraordinary customer service and assistance to colleagues.
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand as well as speak/present for an extended period of time.

Nice-to-haves

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification or Certified Payroll Professional preferred.
• Three to Five years of experience with Payroll and Benefits Administration preferred, including the administration of Health Benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Life and Disability Benefits, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plans, Workers Compensation Benefits and other Voluntary Benefit programs.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• 401(k) matching