Payroll and Benefits Specialist

BLaST - North Office; Canton (Bradford County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Blast Intermediate Unit 17, BLaST - North Office in Canton, PA, is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to oversee bi-weekly payroll operations and benefits administration. Immediate start date.

You will handle deductions, maintain payroll records, and support open enrollment while ensuring regulatory compliance. The role requires 2 years’ payroll or benefits experience, with a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred with 2 years’ experience in accounting, payroll or benefits.
• Experience handling bi-weekly payroll and benefits administration.

Responsibilities

• Operate bi-weekly payroll and ensure accurate deductions and reporting.
• Administer employee benefits and support annual open enrollment.
• Prepare tax, retirement and benefits reports for state and federal agencies.
• Ensure payroll procedures comply with government regulations.
• Maintain payroll records and assist with balance sheet analysis.

Skills

Payroll processing

Benefits administration

Regulatory compliance

Data accuracy

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree

Tools

HRIS

Payroll software

Excel

Job description

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Blast Intermediate Unit 17 BLaST - North Office - Canton, Pennsylvania Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Blast Intermediate Unit 17

Job Details

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Responsible for the operation of the payroll processes and functions related to successful completion and administration of the bi-weekly payroll. Responsible for the administration of employee benefits, provide expertise and insight on employee benefits, and administer and coordinate daily operations of employee benefit programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES(others may be assigned):

• Receives and computes all payroll information, makes deductions for income tax, retirement, social security and all other approved payroll deductions.
• Accurately processes and maintains payroll accounts and records, including but not limited to, employee salaries, contracted days, employee calendars and absence data.
• Reviews and updates payroll procedures to comply with the regulations of various government and reporting agencies.
• Reviews and checks payroll and payroll processes for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with applicable rules, regulations and/or procedural requirements.
• Process payroll checks and direct deposit statements; rollover payroll at the end of each pay period.
• Prepares correspondence, forms, and reports related to payroll functions. Prepares reports for optional deductions for each pay period; prepares quarterly reports for State Income Tax, 941 (Federal and FICA), Retirement, Unemployment Report, Local Wage Tax, and Act 29; prepares year-end reports.
• Assists with the assignment and maintenance of accounts for payroll related to deductions and benefits.
• Assists with the balancing and analysis of payroll-related balance sheet accounts.
• Prepares all tax, retirement, and other forms and reports as required by federal, state and local agencies
• Calculates changes to regular pay for employees due to leave of absence, sabbatical, unpaid days or days deducted, supplemental contracts, payments for unused personal or vacation days at time of resignation or retirement, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), flexible spending, incentive payments, wage attachments, extra hours/days.
• Meet with newly hired employees during the onboarding process to complete required payroll, human resources, and benefits paperwork.
• Manage the yearly healthcare open enrollment process
• Prepares payments for federal and state income tax, FICA, retirement, local taxes, insurance benefits, and optional deductions each pay.
• Process reports and reconciliation for employee benefits including Medical, Dental, Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), flexible spending, and Worker’s Compensation.
• Responsible for all changes to medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Responsible for updating all new rates at the start of each fiscal year. Processes monthly benefits reports and payments.
• Enrolls new employees into the retirement system. Maintains record of part‑time employee hours for retirement eligibility. Responsible for all retirement updates, such as leaves and retirements. Prepares all monthly retirement reports and fiscal year‑end report.
• Assists employees in preparations for retirement. Maintains insurance records for retired employees; notifies CM Regent of new insurance rates.
• Processes employment verification requests. Researches employee payroll history and prepares forms for the re‑purchase of part‑time service for retirement purposes.
• Updates premium assistance report for Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS).
• Interacts with third party administrator of 403 (b) accounts (Employer Administrative Services) sending bi‑weekly deductions and reports along with any forms necessary for employees to transfer funds.
• Updates federal income tax tables at beginning of each year.
• Maintains high level of customer service and confidentiality when communicating with all levels of employees.
• Communicates effectively (orally and in writing) with administrators, staff and the public.
• Performs other related functions as directed by the Director of Management Services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s or Associates Degree preferred; with 2 years’ experience working with accounting, payroll and/or benefits; combination of education and work experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

None.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and professional correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, administrators, vendor representatives, consultants, and others as appropriate.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

A functional understanding of college level mathematics. The ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of accounting. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, employees and community; ability to speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication. Competent in the use of computer technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is will regularly sit, and occasionally walk and stand. The employee will continuously interact with other staff. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this job the employee will occasionally hear conversation in a quiet and/or noisy environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee is frequently required to interact with professional staff. Driving is required. The employee must be able to maintain a vehicle and appropriate licenses to drive.

Position Type: Full-Time