Payroll and Benefits Accountant

Siena Catholic Schools of Racine•Racine, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Accountant is responsible for the accurate administration of payroll, employee benefits, and payroll-related accounting functions for Siena Catholic Schools. This position serves as the primary payroll expert while partnering closely with Human Resources and Finance to ensure employees are paid accurately, benefits are administered effectively, and all payroll and benefit transactions are properly recorded and reconciled. The Payroll & Benefits Accountant maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while providing exceptional customer service to employees throughout their employment lifecycle. This position requires exceptional analytical ability, attention to detail, confidentiality, and a commitment to stewardship of the school’s financial resources in support of the mission of Catholic education. As an employee of Siena Catholic Schools, the Payroll & Benefits Accountant supports the mission of Catholic education by carrying out responsibilities with integrity, compassion, stewardship, and professionalism. This position contributes to a faith-filled workplace that values service, accountability, and respect for the dignity of every individual.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible payroll experience.
Experience administering employee benefit programs.
Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles.
Experience reconciling payroll and benefit-related accounts.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or SHRM certification.
Experience with ADP Workforce Now.
Experience in nonprofit, educational, or Catholic organizations.
Knowledge of Wisconsin employment laws.
Experience administering 403(b) retirement plans.
Experience with Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting.

Responsibilities

Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, including administrators, teachers, support staff, coaches, substitutes, and temporary employees.
Audit payroll for accuracy prior to processing, ensuring proper compensation, deductions, taxes, stipends, supplemental contracts, overtime, and leave balances.
Process new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, contract changes, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payrolls.
Maintain payroll calendars and communicate deadlines to school administrators.
Ensure payroll records remain accurate within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), COBRA, and retirement plans.
Coordinate employee enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and benefit terminations.
Conduct benefits orientation for newly hired employees.
Coordinate and support the annual Open Enrollment process.
Serve as the primary liaison with insurance brokers, benefit vendors, retirement plan administrators, and third-party administrators.
Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions.
Monitor employee eligibility for benefit programs.
Assist employees with benefit questions and provide outstanding customer service while maintaining confidentiality.
Prepare payroll journal entries.
Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.
Reconcile benefit liabilities and employer contributions.
Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close.
Prepare payroll accruals and salary projections.
Support annual budgeting by preparing payroll and benefit cost analyses.
Assist with annual financial statement audits by providing payroll and benefit documentation.
Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, FLSA, ACA reporting requirements, retirement plan regulations, and applicable wage and hour laws.
Process payroll tax filings and year-end reporting including W-2 preparation.
Administer wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other court-ordered deductions.
Maintain payroll and benefits records in accordance with applicable record retention requirements.
Monitor legislative changes impacting payroll and employee benefits.
Collaborate with Human Resources regarding employee onboarding, status changes, leaves of absence, benefit eligibility, and compensation changes.
Support leave administration by coordinating payroll impacts for FMLA, paid leave, workers’ compensation, and disability leaves.
Assist in maintaining accurate employee records within the HRIS.
Participate in compensation and benefits analysis projects.
Prepare payroll, benefit, and labor cost reports for leadership.
Generate reports for auditors, retirement systems, insurance carriers, diocesan offices, and governmental agencies.
Analyze payroll trends and identify opportunities for process improvements.
Develop and maintain payroll and benefits dashboards to support decision-making.
Serve as the payroll and benefits subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now.
Maintain payroll and benefit configurations within the HRIS.
Test system updates and assist with software enhancements.
Recommend improvements to payroll and benefits processes through automation and technology.
Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding employee information.
Cross-train with Finance and Human Resources staff to ensure operational continuity.
Participate in professional development related to payroll, benefits, accounting, and HR compliance.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.