Payroll and Benefit Specialist

Job Description

This position is responsible for managing the full-cycle payroll for one of the company’s mine sites, including processing bi-weekly payroll for both hourly and salaried employees. Additional responsibilities will include benefit administration for this group and reconciliation of benefit accounts.

Daily Responsibilities

Full Cycle Payroll

• Accurately process and ensure timely payment of employee wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.
• Prepare and remit all necessary withholding taxes, including federal and state income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes.
• Ensure the accurate accrual and recording of employee hours, overtime, and paid time off (PTO).
• Generate payroll-related reports and respond to inquiries from external parties such as Accounting or Auditors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees with any payroll-related concerns.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and errors promptly.
• Manage the year-end payroll process, including the issuance and reconciliation of W-2s.
• Maintain detailed, accurate payroll records for audit purposes, ensuring compliance with best practices and statutory requirements.
• Stay updated on applicable payroll legislation to ensure compliance.

HR/Benefit Administration

• Administer a full range of benefit programs for employees, including health and welfare, HSA/FSA, insurance programs, retirement plans, and the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Assist employees and new hires with relocation processes.
• Address employee inquiries about benefits and provide guidance on eligibility, coverage, and changes to benefits.
• Interpret and explain benefits policies to both managers and employees, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Liaise with benefit carriers and record keepers to resolve employee inquiries and billing issues.
• Ensure timely delivery of employee and employer contributions for the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Reconcile benefit statements to payroll records.

Additional Duties

• Collaborate with the HRIS team to ensure smooth integration of data between the HRIS and payroll systems.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend solutions.
• Conduct employee surveys, censuses, and other demographic research to obtain accurate benefit provider quotes.
• Provide compensation data for public filings, board reports, and annual salary surveys.
• Act as the primary point of contact for both internal and external auditors regarding payroll processes.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in Human Resource Management, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll processing and benefits administration. A professional designation in payroll or benefits is a plus.
• Confidentiality in handling employee payroll and benefit information is essential.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks with tight deadlines through excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• A self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in reconciling payroll and benefit data and providing actionable recommendations.
• Proficient in Excel and other payroll systems (e.g., ADP), HRIS (e.g., Workday), time and attendance systems, and online benefit platforms.
• Knowledge of the Employment Standards Act as it relates to payroll.
• Ability to interpret income tax laws and understand their impact on payroll processing.
• Ability to assess the payroll impact of new benefit programs or changes to existing ones (e.g., taxable benefits).
  

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