Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Under general supervision performs professional and technical tasks to prepare payroll; coordinate and process the City’s employee benefit programs; and maintain employee data and payroll records.

• Process payroll accurately and efficiently using various payroll software such as NeoGov, Tyler ERP, Gorrie Regan/AOD, or equivalent systems. 
• Manage benefits administration tasks including enrollments, changes, terminations, and compliance with applicable regulations. 
• Reconcile payroll data with accounting records through detailed account reconciliation and journal entries. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax regulations and ensure payroll deductions are correctly applied for federal, state, and local taxes. 
• Handle data entry tasks related to payroll and benefits information with precision using accounting software. 
• Support NeoGov HRIS (Human Resources Information System) management to ensure accurate employee data maintenance. 
• Collaborate with the accounting team on accounts payable and receivable related to payroll expenses and benefit payments. 
• Conduct regular audits of payroll records to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal policies and external regulations. 
• Assist with non-profit or governmental accounting requirements as needed, including general ledger reconciliation and analysis of financial reports. 
• Prepare detailed reports on payroll costs, benefits utilization, and other financial metrics for management review. 
• Provide excellent support to employees regarding benefits questions or payroll discrepancies in a lively and positive manner. 
• Ensure adherence to double entry bookkeeping principles such as debits & credits when recording financial transactions related to payroll and benefits. 

Education and Experience:
Associate’s level degree in Accounting, Human Resources Management or related field; and two to three years of related experience; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:
Desirable-State of Alabama Public NotaryIMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:
Processes new employee benefit enrollments and updates software with new hire information
Informs employees leaving employment of the City COBRA procedures. this includes mailing out notices of terminating coverage.
Conducts new employee presentation on employee benefits.
Assists employees enrolling for retirement benefits.
Prepares salary and benefit data.
Plans annual Benefit Fair; coordinates with current benefit vendors; arranges lunch for employees.
Solicits benefit providers for competitive rates.
Creates employee identification cards in absence of Administrative Assistant.
Performs tasks of receptionist in his/her absence.
Provides administrative support to Human Resources Officer
Calculates and Updates Time and Attendance Software with new leave balances monthly.
Attends various staff meetings, training sessions and seminars.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:
General office equipment