Retirement Payroll Specialist

Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association • Denver, CO

1d • $28 - $34 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Retirement Payroll Specialist position is responsible for preparing and balancing PERA’s Defined Benefit (DB) monthly payroll for approximately 140,000 recipients. This role includes processing various retirement account updates and contributing to the audit of annual 1099-R files. This position requires the ability to understand and manage complex and sensitive benefit information with empathy and professionalism, while ensuring strict compliance with applicable PERA law, rules and policies. This is a dynamic position that works directly with the PERA Defined Benefit program’s monthly benefit recipient payroll and separate from the organization’s Human Resources Department. Our ideal candidate is a detail-oriented team player with strong numerical and analytical aptitude. We are seeking a seasoned professional with a positive attitude and a proven record of delivering excellent customer service. This candidate must also be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with interruptions of their normal day-to-day workflow.

Requirements

• Bachelors in mathematics, accounting, or another related field is preferred or three (3) or more years of relevant experience, preferably supporting retirement benefits and/or payroll, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Highly detail oriented with a strong aptitude for analytical reasoning and mathematical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Ability to deal with sensitive and/or confidential information or situations in a professional manner
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders
• Capable of working successfully both independently and within a team-focused environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and related business software
• Ability to prioritize, organize and work with minimal supervision

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of PERA’s monthly benefit recipient payroll in accordance with federal or state statutes and/or PERA rules
• Leverage strong analytical reasoning and mathematical skills to effectively identify data inconsistencies and quickly resolve issues to meet tight deadlines
• Develop a thorough understanding of the DB benefit program and provide efficient, reliable customer service to both internal and external stakeholders
• Conduct a range of intermediate to advanced defined benefit calculations and process modifications to benefit payments
• Research and process benefit recipient account updates including deductions, contact information, life events, and beneficiary designations
• Monitor benefit eligibility for survivor benefits and domestic relations orders (DRO) to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency and commitment to meet assigned deadlines, ensuring timely completion of tasks and contributing to the overall efficiency of team operations
• Coordinate with divisional teams or other departments across the organization - such as Member Services, Accounting, Customer Service, Insurance and Records and Information - ensuring a successful end-to-end process for cross-functional and overlapping transactions
• Investigate and resolve payroll-related issues, including returned benefit checks, returned direct deposits, and uncashed benefit payments
• Collaborate with team members and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for reducing future errors and improving transactional efficiency through active participation in continuous process improvement
• Participate in the yearly verification of 1099-R files
• Communicate benefit program and payment information with members, retirees, and family members through in-office meetings, telephone calls, written correspondence, and email
• Manage multiple interruptions while achieving a consistent level of accuracy in completed tasks.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of benefit payroll-related systems and databases
• Participate in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development
• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace to ensure consistent support for team objectives
• Carries out other duties and special projects as assigned

Benefits

• health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans
• generous paid time off and volunteer hours
• pension and retirement plans, including PERA’s defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable
• tuition assistance
• free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy
• free on-site fitness center to stay active
• employee assistance program
• training, leadership and mentoring programs and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees