Benefits and Payroll Coordinator

WV Higher Education Policy Commission; South Charleston (WV); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Annual leave 24 days

Employer retirement match

Health coverage

Job summary

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is seeking a Benefits and Payroll Coordinator to ensure accurate biweekly payroll processing, timecard review, and benefits administration. The role supports onboarding, HR operations, and employee engagement, acting as a liaison with partners and vendors.

The position also handles open enrollment, retirement plan transactions, and maintains confidential employee records in a compliant, audit-ready manner.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in human resources, business administration, payroll, accounting, public administration, or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in HR, payroll, benefits administration, or a related area; or
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, payroll, accounting, public administration, or a related field, plus three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in HR, payroll, benefits administration, or a related area.

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly payroll and review timecards for accuracy, approvals, leave usage, overtime, deductions, and other payroll-related information.
• Research and resolve payroll and timekeeping discrepancies before and after each payroll cycle.
• Maintain accurate payroll and employee records, including new hires, status changes, compensation changes, direct deposits, tax information, deductions, and terminations.

Skills

HR knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Associate degree in HR / related field

Bachelor’s degree in HR / related field

Tools

HRIS

Timekeeping systems

Job description

Benefits and Payroll Coordinator

Salary Range:$50,000 – $60,000

General Job Summary:

The Benefits and Payroll Coordinator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of biweekly payroll, timecard processing, employee benefits, leave programs, onboarding, employee engagement activities, and other human resources operations. The position serves as a primary resource for employees and institutional partners regarding payroll, benefits, leave, and related HR processes.

The Benefits and Payroll Coordinator reviews and processes biweekly timecards and payroll, maintains accurate employee and payroll records, administers benefit and leave transactions, supports annual open enrollment, coordinates onboarding activities, and provides responsive customer service. The position also serves as a departmental purchase card holder and supports broader HR initiatives, institutional partners, and teammates as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll, Benefits, and HR Operations — 50%

• Process biweekly payroll and review timecards for accuracy, approvals, leave usage, overtime, deductions, and other payroll-related information.
• Research and resolve payroll and timekeeping discrepancies before and after each payroll cycle.
• Maintain accurate payroll and employee records, including new hires, status changes, compensation changes, direct deposits, tax information, deductions, and terminations.
• Administer benefits, retirement plan transactions, and leave programs, including FMLA and other applicable leave requirements.
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, changes, and terminations; reconcile benefits deductions and related records.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, communications, presentations, and employee support.
• Support onboarding activities, including HRIS updates, required documentation, payroll setup, and benefits information.
• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, benefits, leave, retirement, and related HR processes.
• Serve as purchase card holder and complete purchases, reconciliations, and required documentation in accordance with applicable policies.

Team and Organizational Support — 25%

• Provide administrative and operational support to teammates across HR functions.
• Support employee engagement activities, communications, events, surveys, and other employee experience initiatives.
• Prepare reports, forms, notices, presentations, and other HR materials.
• Serve as a liaison to institutional HR contacts, payroll and finance partners, benefit providers, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with HR projects, audits, meetings, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Provide occasional assistance with recruitment activities as needed.
• Perform other related duties and support organizational priorities as assigned.

Best Practices, Compliance, and Institutional Partnership — 25%

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and audit-ready payroll, benefits, leave, onboarding, and employee records.
• Apply applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and established procedures to payroll and HR processes.
• Identify process gaps, recurring issues, and opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and service.
• Develop and maintain procedures, checklists, reference materials, and other documentation.
• Monitor changes affecting payroll, benefits, leave, HR systems, and institutional practices.
• Support internal and external audits by validating information and providing required documentation.
• Build effective working relationships and provide consistent, solutions-oriented support to the institutions served.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

One of the following combinations is required:

• Associate degree in human resources, business administration, payroll, accounting, public administration, or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in HR, payroll, benefits administration, or a related area; or
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, payroll, accounting, public administration, or a related field, plus three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in HR, payroll, benefits administration, or a related area.

Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience may be considered in accordance with applicable policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience independently processing biweekly payroll and reviewing timecards.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, benefits, and leave systems.
• Experience in a public-sector, higher education, or similarly regulated environment.
• Experience administering PEIA or comparable public-sector benefits programs.
• Experience with retirement plans such as TIAA or comparable programs.
• Experience supporting open enrollment, employee communications, or engagement initiatives.
• Experience with purchase card administration, public procurement, or institutional purchasing requirements.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, CPP, or a benefits-related credential.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of its staff.

Employer:WV Higher Education Policy Commission
Address: 2001 Union Carbide Drive Building 2000 South Charleston, West Virginia, 25303
Phone: [phone]
Website: http://WVHEPC.edu

Why Work With Us?

Great careers aren’t just about the job — they’re about the whole package.

At theWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council), we’re looking for talented people who want more than just a paycheck. If you value purpose-driven work, financial security, and time to live your life, keep reading.

At the Commission and Council, we work every day to expand educational opportunities and improve quality of life for West Virginians. We know education is essential to building a strong workforce—today and for the future—and our efforts impact 60,000 students each year. In partnership with our state’s colleges and universities, we strive to make post-secondary education more affordable, accessible, and attainable.

The Short Version

• Shorter Work Week – 37.5 hours — not the standard 40
• Flexibility – Hybrid schedule with remote and in-office days
• Time Off – 24 days annual leave + 18 days sick leave + all WV state holidays
• Retirement – 401(a) with 6% match, plus 403(b) & 457(b) options
• Healthcare – Multiple medical plans + comprehensive ancillary benefits
• Environment – You’ll work in a modern office with real amenities — think outside walking paths, an on-campus café, and plenty of space to spread out. But it’s not just about space.

  It’s about a culture that gives you room to grow and work that actually matters.

Let’s Talk About Retirement (Seriously)

Most people gloss over retirement benefits. Don’t.

Our plan isn’t your grandfather’s pension — it’s better. With a6% employer match on your 401(a)and access toboth 403(b) and 457(b) accounts, you can strategically save in ways that could replacewell over 100% of your working incomewhen you retire. That’s not a typo. That’s planning done right.

Time Off That Actually Lets You Recharge

• 24 days of annual leave accrued per year
• 18 days of sick leave— because life happens
• Every West Virginia state holiday— and if you know WV, you know that’s a lot of days off

Flexibility Without the Fine Print

Our hybrid work model gives you the best of both worlds — in-office collaboration and the convenience of remote work. And we don’t just offer flexibility; we equip you for it. Expect dual monitors, quality peripherals, and the tools you need to be productive at home and in the office.

Benefits Beyond the Basics

• Health coverage:Choose from multiple medical plan options tailored to different needs and budgets.
• Ancillary benefits: Dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA options, and more — the full suite of coverage to protect you and your family.

The Work Itself

Let’s not forget why you’re here:the job.

The Commission and Council offers:

• Challenging, engaging workthat keeps you learning
• A service-oriented missionwhere your efforts create real impact in higher education policy
• Opportunities for advancement— we promote from within and invest in your growth
• A welcoming office environment — modern space, good people, positive culture

The Bottom Line

You deserve a workplace that respects your time, invests in your future, and gives you room to thrive. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Commission and Council.

Disclaimer:

This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the position incumbent. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities assigned by their supervisor. Most requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other employees, or the general public.