Payroll/Benefit Administrator

NM School for the Deaf•Santa Fe, NM

About The Position

The Payroll/Benefit Administrator is responsible for assisting in processing biweekly payroll and managing employee benefits. This position handles all deductions and garnishments, prepares payroll-related documents, oversees compliance and filing requirements, and supports audits related to payroll and benefits. The role ensures accurate processing of records and provides timely and accurate financial information. All functions of this position are expected to be performed in a positive and receptive manner, advancing the mission and vision of the New Mexico School for the Deaf.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with at least three years of progressive payroll and benefits/HR experience or demonstrated success as a payroll and Human Resources professional. Experience may substitute for a degree.
Knowledge and skill with automated financial applications, including personal computer and related software.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports and correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.
Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required.
Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.
Must be organized and detail-oriented.
collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.
Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity. Has a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.
Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.
Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.
Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles.
Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values.
Manages competing demands.
Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.
Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.
Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Nice To Haves

Accounting background preferred.
Experience with financial and/or accounting software preferred.
Experience with Life and AD&D Insurance, Disability Long Term Disability, Supplemental Life Insurance, and FMLA.
Experience with year-end payroll processes and production of tax forms including W-2s and 1095-Cs.

Responsibilities

Administer all employee benefits.
Enter payroll and benefits deductions data in the payroll system; enter new enrollments in insurance carrier portals/systems.
Assist with open enrollment process.
Reconcile benefits insurance invoices and process for payment; verify employee paychecks reflect accurate payroll earnings and deductions.
Follow up with insurance companies regarding discrepancies in invoices and payments.
Prepare employee informational benefits packages for new hires and answer questions.
Schedule flexible benefits plan meetings and disseminate information from benefits plan administrators (health insurance, ERA, etc.).
Assist employees with benefit-related inquiries and provide necessary documentation.
Administer and process various types of leave (FMLA, short-term disability, workers’ compensation).
Process garnishments, child support, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions and payments.
Process electronic timesheets, calculate overtime and weighted overtime from the time and attendance system.
Calculate salary adjustments, miscellaneous deductions, leave without pay, terminations, account code changes, insurance deductions, W-4 changes, and other mandatory deductions.
Resolve payroll discrepancies as necessary.
Update electronic payroll records for pay rate adjustments and employee status changes.
Maintain reports including health insurance, tax deductions, Retiree Health Care, PERA, annuity deductions, garnishments, flexible benefits deductions, and other miscellaneous deductions.
Enter and reconcile payroll data and payments for PERA.
Complete payments by receiving, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices.
Assist with annual audit process, including preparation of year-end audit work papers.
Process terminations and retirement benefits.
Prepare wage reports for administrative personnel as requested.
Audit and maintain employee payroll files to ensure accuracy and proper documentation of payroll deduction authorizations.
Stay current on laws and regulations related to human resources, benefits, and payroll processing.