Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Cherokee County Schools•Murphy, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Payroll & Benefits Specialist must be able to work independently and possess decision-making skills to meet critical deadlines, such as payroll processing. This role involves processing system-wide end-of-month payroll, reconciling all payrolls and related liabilities, and performing complex technical and fiscal governmental account work within the Finance Department. The position oversees the disbursement and accounting of payroll-related liabilities, reviews and reports all ACA (Affordable Health Care) related data, and is responsible for reporting all Workers Comp claims and related reports. Additionally, the Specialist coordinates Short Term Disability and Extended Short-Term Disability through the Retirement System and processes monthly and quarterly reports in a timely manner. Duties may vary depending on circumstances.

Requirements

High school graduate with a two-year degree or equivalent college-level work.
Minimum of 3 years of experience with basic accounting principles and bookkeeping.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to handle confidential material with sensitivity.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor degree in business or related accounting field preferred.
Experience in payroll processing of 100 employees or more preferred.
Familiar with LINQ operating systems is preferred.
Familiarity working with supplemental employee benefit groups, the North Carolina State Health Plan, and the North Carolina State Retirement System is preferred.

Responsibilities

Process system-wide end-of-month payroll, including reconciling all payrolls and related liabilities.
Perform complex technical and fiscal governmental account work in the Finance Department.
Oversee disbursement and accounting of payroll-related liabilities.
Review and report all ACA (Affordable Health Care) related data.
Report all Workers Comp claims and related reports.
Coordinate Short Term Disability and Extended Short-Term Disability through the Retirement System.
Process monthly and quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Manage elective employee benefit designations and workers compensation claims in close coordination with HR administration.
Maintain and review all payroll liability payments, reporting and reviewing ACA payroll-related data, and all other payroll reporting.
Conduct meetings with new hires to go over benefit enrollments and answer questions regarding payroll.
Conduct exit meetings with employees to explain close-out procedures and benefit termination.
Prepare retirement applications for employees and explain the retirement process.
Communicate with staff during periods of open enrollment, providing instructions on how to enroll or make changes to current benefits.
Cross-train others in finance and payroll processes.