Job Details

Description

Position Summary:

The Benefits & Payroll Specialist is a vital member of the HR team, responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) plan. This role will assist with ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all Meriplex employees. You will work closely with various departments to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies. This role requires a strong attention to detail and a dedication to providing excellent customer service. This position can sit in our Houston, TX or Dallas, TX office.

Responsibilities

Benefits:

• Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information
• Performs quality checks of benefits-related data
• Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes
• Distributes all benefits enrollment materials and determines eligibility
• Enrolls employees with carriers and process life status changes
• Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries
• Processes and administers all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability and FMLA
• Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities
• Responds to 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts. Manages the annual catch-up contribution enrollment.
• Assists with the open enrollment process
  
  

Payroll

• Process bi-monthly payroll for salaried, hourly, and commissioned employees across multiple states, including California and Pennsylvania
• Prepare regular payroll reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end) encompassing gross pay, hours worked, PTO, and other deductions
• Develop and maintain reports, controls, and procedures to ensure accurate payroll accounting and reporting
• Collaborate with Human Resources to guarantee accurate benefit deductions and employee record-keeping
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll service providers and related systems. This includes addressing system issues, establishing new payrolls, implementing tax and regulatory changes, managing earning/deduction codes, and collaborating on system improvements.
• Strictly adhere to established internal controls and maintain compliance with SOX procedures.
• Communicate effectively and resolve payroll-related concerns for HR, Finance, and other departments.
• Coordinate and provide information, records, and reports for internal and external payroll audits (workers' compensation, regulatory agencies, etc.)
• Continuously evaluate and refine payroll processes for optimal efficiency and accuracy
• Provide exceptional customer service by promptly responding to inquiries and offering consultations on payroll issues, including tax and regulatory matters
• Stay updated on relevant payroll knowledge, including federal, state, and local regulations, to ensure compliance and advise management on necessary actions
• Maintain confidentiality and security of all payroll information and data
• Assist with annual financial statement audits, 401(k) audits, and other audits as required
• Participate in special projects as assigned
• Perform other duties as instructed
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Behaviors

• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact well with all levels of the organization
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Customer service driven
  
  

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or related field or 3 years experience in benefits administration in lieu of bachelor’s degree
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws
• UKG experience preferred
  
  

Physical Demands

Sedentary Work – Exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Meriplex Communications and Meriplex Solutions are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.