Payroll Specialist

This position is responsible for detailed work in payroll, insurance and accounts receivable, including computer application principles, and requiring an understanding of the principles of human resource benefit management. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Assist with all phases of payroll preparation in a timely and accurate manner. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Running reports to ensure timecards have been approved and following up with supervisors if approval is missing Pulling/Compiling timecard reports, manual contract timesheets, and mileage reports for payroll/payables processing Reviewing timecards and mileage reports for reasonableness Entering pay period data into the payroll system Reviewing payroll output for accuracy Forwarding payroll to Payroll Coordinator for final review and processing Responsible for maintaining payroll records and payroll information, both written and electronic. Includes updating payroll files to reflect changes of job position/classification changes, withholdings, deductions, etc., and backing up payroll system data daily. Assist Payroll Coordinator with the monthly new hire orientation class during which employee benefits are explained and various enrollment forms are completed. Responsible for setting up new employees in the payroll system. Assist with all phases of employee enrollment/monitoring/termination with insurance companies. Assist employees with open enrollment and insurance claims. Responsible for preparing leave and overtime reports monthly. Responsible for tracking payouts of all sign-on bonuses, stipends, and garnishments and ensuring such payments are processed accurately and timely. Responsible for tracking all forms of leave offered by Carastar, to include but not limited to annual, sick, service recognition, and personal. Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reporting requirements. Examples include biweekly federal tax deposits, monthly state tax deposits, quarterly payroll tax returns. Assist with regulatory reporting requirements. Specific reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement, Form 1095 health insurance coverage statements, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report, Bureau of Labor Statistic reports, Retirement Systems of Alabama contribution reports, and annual workers compensation audit report. Field inquiries from employees regarding payroll or leave balance discrepancies; research discrepancies; forward information to Payroll Coordinator for review and further directive prior to response. Perform related work as assigned by supervisor, including acting as back up for other fiscal affairs department personnel. REQUIREMENTS: Experience processing payroll. Knowledge of payroll related laws and regulations and the requirements thereof. Knowledge of bookkeeping and general office procedures. Ability to interpret a wide variety of insurance and benefit policies. Knowledge of various forms, knowing what is covered/not covered under various policies. Knowledge of wage withholding orders. Knowledge of and experience with payroll management and computer application software. Ability to learn assignments readily. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to plan and prioritize assigned tasks. Accurate data entry skills with great attention to detail. QUALIFICATIONS: Associate degree in a business-related field or high school diploma/GED with five years of experience in payroll or bookkeeping. Must hold a current CPI, Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate. Must hold a valid drivers license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to Carastars insurance carrier. Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.