JOB REQUIREMENTS: Description SUMMARY: The Payroll & Benefits Specialist will process the payroll of the agency and provide and will serve as our primary benefit contact for employees. This position will be responsible for managing payroll processes and maintaining accurate records within our HRIS (Human Resources Information System). This role will play a crucial part in ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing while upholding compliance with relevant regulations and company policies. FUNCTIONS: Payroll Essential Functions: Track and file weekly and monthly timesheets. Process payroll vendor payments. Approve attendance and time off benefits. Process payroll related paperwork for new employees into the payroll and human resource system. Prepare, process and post payroll. Filing monthly, quarterly and annual state, federal and retirement reports. Review and reconcile monthly insurance statements and invoices. Serve as employee contact for benefits, payroll, and time reporting. Complete and process W2s and ACA compliance reporting for CESA 6 and the government filings. Manage data within the Employee Portal for integrity and accuracy. Other duties as assigned. Benefits Essential Functions: Design materials for and assist in open enrollment. Explain benefit eligibility, costs, and coverage levels to employees. Facilitates new hire benefit enrollments, life event changes, and terminations. Enroll eligible employees in WRS and process other benefit enrollments that are not automated, including 403(b) / TSA programs. Ensure automated benefit enrollments are audited for accuracy monthly through reconciliation. Serves as a contact for benefit plan vendors, third-party administrators, and individuals with questions on the benefit plans. Collaborate with the HR team to ensure employees on leaves of absences are paid appropriately and benefit premiums are collected including Worker's Compensation, Disability, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in compliance with State and Federal Laws, as well as Agency policies and procedures. Maintains compliance with the Federal COBRA law including issuing initial notices and ongoing notices as required by the law; collects monthly premiums from the COBRA beneficiaries; and monitors accurate and timely COBRA payments. Monitors and prepares information for retirees regarding their premium billing and payment status. Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations, including but not limited to Affordable Care Act and 1095-C processing and monitoring, non-discrimination testing, benefit notices, etc. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees. Other duties as assigned. ***** OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Experience, Education and Licensure: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least three years of payroll and benefits experience. HRIS and payroll software experience required, Paylocity preferred. Proficient office skills with excellent organization and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel. Prior experience working with a school district preferred. ***** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online: