PAYROLL AND BENEFITS MANAGER

AMPI•New Ulm, MN

About The Position

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation’s American-type cheese and processed cheese is produced. The cooperative’s award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

Requirements

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
Maintain a valid drivers’ license
Bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting from an accredited college or university. An equivalent amount of education and experience may be substituted.
Extensive experience (five or more years) in maintaining compensation records and implementing benefit programs; considerable administrative and supervisory experience and some automated database management.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of UltiPro human resource information system (HRIS) preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyzes, prepares and inputs payroll data. Typically uses automated system to produce accurate and timely payroll. Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws.
Administers employee benefits programs such as retirement plans, medical and dental plans; term life insurance plans; temporary disability programs; and accidental death policies.
Ensures the accuracy of all taxes withheld from payroll, reconciles general ledger accounts for all payroll taxes, group insurance, and miscellaneous deductions.
Coordinates company benefits, with government sponsored programs.
Handles payroll and benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. Maintains contact by phone, e-mail, or mail, with employees, insurance broker, insurance companies, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.
Compile payroll data such as garnishments, vacation and sick time, insurance and 401(k) deductions.
Prepares weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation and sick accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) for management.
Manages annual open enrollment period during 4th quarter of each year. Programming the in HRIS, arranges for distribution of materials from carriers, assists with, communicating changes to employees and arranges for on-site representation by providers, Conducts employee presentations. Processes changes within deadlines.
Processes monthly billings from insurance providers. Reviews billings for accuracy, codes and advances for payment. Resolves discrepancies with carriers, payroll and the company. Completes reports for management as requested.
Strives to ensure employee understanding of benefit programs by, regularly generating communication and counseling employees/dependents as situations arise. Resolves employee complaints related to health and welfare plans, refers difficult or very complex complaints to manager as needed. Acts as liaison with various insurance carriers and fosters effective relationships with client representatives.
Acts as a resource for Plant Payroll/HR contacts to ensure their understanding and compliance with benefit and HR policies and regulations. Keeps management advised of potential problem areas and recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
Administers a variety of benefits including COBRA, life insurance, 401(k), DairyFlex (Section 125), etc.
Creates new reports on the Report Writer portion of the payroll for the divisions, the payroll department, and for management as requested.
Maintains variety of software systems including UKG.
Reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring alignment between payroll and financial records.
Partner with Bank of America to manage retiree pension payroll enrollment, changes, and coordinate ongoing retiree communications.
Serve as the retirement committee secretary, supporting governance and plan oversight.
Perform other duties as assigned.