Payroll and Retirement Benefits Coordinator

CUAnswers•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll & Retirement Benefits Coordinator is CUAnswers' subject-matter expert for payroll, payroll tax, and retirement benefits. The role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, keeps payroll and benefit records correct in all systems, and partners with HR and Accounting on compliance, reconciliations, and employee education. This role will provide payroll processing services for multiple company partners on a weekly basis. This position handles sensitive compensation data and critical funds. It requires sound independent judgment, strict confidentiality, and the ability to explain complex payroll, tax, and retirement plan rules clearly to employees and leadership.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance or equivalent work experience of 3-5 years direct payroll is required.
Three to five years of payroll experience required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external clients.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a PC workstation, telephone, and copier.
Commitment to the company mission and the seven cooperative principles.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated 401(k) plan design experience is preferred, including eligibility, matching formulas, and vesting.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred.

Responsibilities

Handle general ledger entries, 401(k) distributions, tax reconciliations, and benefit-related payment processing and balancing.
Oversee 401(k) administration, contributions, payroll deductions, and account reconciliation.
Input and approve payroll and benefit record changes, additions, and terminations in all relevant systems.
Maintain payroll documentation in accordance with RIM retention policies and collaborate with HR and Accounting on compliance.
Process garnishments and other required payroll documentation as needed.
Work with HR to manage payroll adjustments and premium payments related to FMLA leaves.
Assist the Accounting team with account reconciliations, labor tracking, wage verification, and other assigned financial tasks.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals and evolving business needs.
Handle Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) payroll treatment, including non-qualified deferred compensation, Section 409A considerations, FICA timing, and W-2 reporting.
Manage taxable fringe benefits, including identifying and imputing income for non-cash benefits.
Calculate and report imputed income for personal use of a company car using IRS-approved valuation methods.
Process moving expenses, treating employer-paid or reimbursed relocation costs as taxable wages, including grossing up when approved.
Determine when travel time is compensable for non-exempt employees under the FLSA and pay it correctly.
Articulate SECURE 2.0 provisions and their payroll impact.
Explain plan features to employees in plain language during orientations and one-on-one questions.
Articulate the changes enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for 'no tax on overtime'.
Register for state income tax withholding in new states.
Work with Forms 940, 941, W-2, and W-3, and state quarterly wage and tax reports, including Michigan UIA 1028.