Sr. Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Nexeo Plastics•The Woodlands, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid role in The Woodlands, TX. The Sr. Benefits and Payroll Specialist position is responsible for the administration, compliance and the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's life insurance, flexible spending plan, health savings account, leave management, retirement plans, etc.) for US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This position serves as the primary point of contact for benefit-related matters and works closely with employees, HR, payroll, benefit vendors, brokers, and internal leadership to ensure programs are administered accurately and effectively. This role will also serve as a backup to payroll and should have working knowledge of payroll processes and ADP Workforce Now (WFN). The Senior Benefits & Payroll Specialist will support broader HR initiatives, projects, reporting, audits, and other HR responsibilities as business needs arise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field.
5 years of progressive experience in a mid-to-senior level benefits, HR Operations, payroll or HR related function.
Working knowledge of relevant policies and regulations for the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Demonstrated basic knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA and FMLA to ensure compliance.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations in computing rates, premiums, and adjustments.
Experience in completing root cause analysis of system errors, ability to understand the way data flows, organizational structure in systems.
Working knowledge of payroll processes and practices.
Knowledge of U.S. benefit regulations and compliance requirements.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive employee information appropriately.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and ability to work with HR and payroll reports.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a broader HR team.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident, and death claims, QDROs, distributions, loans, and hardships.
COBRA administration: notifications, enrollments, changes and terminations.
Participate in the development and implementation of new benefits programs.
Develop strong working relationships with plan vendors and third-party administrators.
Evaluate and revise internal processes to increase efficiency and improve employee experience.
Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
Process vendor billings and conduct billing audits.
Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
Collaborate with payroll to ensure appropriate benefit deductions.
Review and reconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies with vendors, payroll, and Finance.
Function as the subject matter expert and keep informed of applicable federal, state and local leave and related sick pay laws.
Manage the leave administration process from employee’s initial notice through return to work.
Coordinate with various stakeholders (Payroll, Leaders and Human Resources) on leave statuses, updates, work restrictions and return to work plans.
Function as the subject matter expert to advise and inform employees of the details of Nexeo Plastics’ benefit programs.
Provide customer service support to internal and external customers by resolving benefit-related issues and responding in a timely manner.
Prepare communication materials for annual Open Enrollment rollout.
Coordinate and hold employee meetings for annual Open Enrollment rollout.
Audit data for annual Open Enrollment rollout.
Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Monitors, interprets, and suggests compliance actions for evolving and new benefits legislation.
Responsible for data necessary to complete government compliance activities (5500s, audits, etc.) employee mailings, vendor billings, and coordinating data collection. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and audits.
Ensures processes and procedures are in place to capture and maintain consistent and accurate benefit related data. Assist with employee data auditing and reporting.
Responsible for required employee mailings.
Participate on special projects & initiatives and other duties as assigned.
Serve as a trained backup for payroll processing as needed.
Maintain working knowledge of ADP Workforce Now (WFN) payroll functionality and processes.
Assist with reviewing payroll data for accuracy, including employee changes, earnings, deductions, benefit deductions, taxes, and other payroll-related information.
Support payroll processing during absences, vacations, high-volume periods, or other business needs.
Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, corrections, and research of payroll discrepancies.
Partner with the Payroll team member to ensure benefit deductions and payroll records are accurate and aligned.
Assist with employee payroll questions and research issues when needed.
Maintain an understanding of payroll practices and compliance requirements.
Support year-end payroll and benefit activities assigned.
Assist with payroll reporting and special payroll projects as needed.