Payroll and Benefits Analyst

Freeman, Mathis & Gary Law•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Analyst is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the firm’s payroll and benefits needs. This position ensures the successful completion of new hire and benefits orientations, processing of the appropriate employee deductions, approval of timekeeping entries, and payment of benefit carrier invoices. To succeed the candidate will need to be able to focus on optimizing service to the employees by following standard operating procedures and building lasting relationships with others within the Firm. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, technically savvy, eager to improve processes, adaptable, and highly organized. The position requires a minimum of 5 years of payroll and benefits experience. The following set of success factors describe the characteristics of those who are successful in our Firm: Helpful, Congenial, Personable, Positive Unpretentious, Approachable, Respectful, Team Oriented Accountable, Takes Ownership, Corrects Mistakes Organized, Timely, Confidential, Responsive (within 24 hours)

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with in-house payroll and benefits required
Prior experience with payroll and carrier benefits systems required
Must have multistate benefits experience
Strong working knowledge of applicable Federal and multistate payroll laws (FMLA, FLSA, e.g.) along with IRS regulations that impact payroll
Strong mastery of Microsoft Excel to include pivot tables and v-lookups
Basic knowledge of 401(k), Safe Harbor, and Profit-Sharing regulations
Ability to effectively communicate with attorneys, staff, and vendors in both written and verbal communication
Strong organization and time management skills, along with accuracy and attention to detail
Maintain a calm, courteous and professional demeanor, with a positive attitude
Ability to multi-task and handle stressful situations
Ability to pass a background and credit check
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration required

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Ulti Pro (UKG) software a plus
Professional certification such as Certified Payroll Professional preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure all employees are enrolled accurately and timely in the payroll and benefits software systems
Understand and apply proper tax treatment and processing of benefits elections
Ensure compliance with all state laws that the Firm operates including AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, NJ, NM, NY, NV, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, and WA
Work with the benefits broker and carriers to solve employee benefits issues
Process accurate and timely year-end compliance reporting
Monitor changes and remains current on legal, regulatory, or governmental requirements (e.g., 401(k) and other benefit deductions)
Communicate with confidence regarding benefit and payroll issues to all levels of the Firm
Ensure all new hires are successfully onboarded with the appropriate benefits elections
Ensure all terminated employees are successfully offboarded and provided the appropriate separation documentation required by law
Enter all employees into the various benefits systems utilizing EDI files and manual entry when necessary
Validate that all employees are provided with the appropriate COBRA documentation and other required notices
Maintain Firm 401(k) Plans to include contributions, distributions, Safe Harbor, and Profit-Sharing compliance
Assist in the completion of annual 401(k) compliance audits
Ensure compliance with benefits plans and ensure accurate plan enrollments
Prepare and distribute W-2’s, 1095’s, Form 5500, and other necessary mandated compliance documentation
Interpret and set up garnishment orders, child support deductions, etc.
Audit and reconcile time and attendance data for employees
Ensure accurate and timely processing of semi-monthly payroll
Additional duties as assigned