Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

We are looking for a person to join our payroll work group for Pennington County. This is a new initiative with the Human Resources department and we are excited to offer this opportunity to the right person. The ideal candidate will have payroll and governmental accounting experience, with a collaborative mindset and excellent customer service skills.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist provides critical support to the Payroll Administrator by assisting with the accurate and timely processing of payroll and coordinating employee benefits administration. This position works closely with departments' payroll staff, HR staff, and Auditor's Office to ensure proper time reporting, pay, and benefits compliance for all County employees.

Position Functions

• Assist the Payroll Administrator in processing payroll, including verifying time records, reviewing deductions, and ensuring accurate pay distribution.
• Serve as a liaison between the Payroll Administrator and Departments' Payroll Staff to ensure timely and accurate submission, entry, and auditing of employee timesheets.
• Maintain and update employee payroll and benefits records, including enrollments, terminations, and changes to deductions or coverage.
• Coordinate with HR and benefit providers to process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations accurately and within required deadlines.
• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, benefits deductions, leave balances, and related matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of required payroll tax reports and year-end documents such as W-2s, 1095s, and ACA forms.
• Perform routine audits of payroll and benefit records to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as County policies.
• Reconcile benefit invoices with payroll deductions to ensure accurate billing and payment.
• Prepare and maintain payroll and benefit reports as needed for internal reporting and audits.
• Support the Payroll Administrator with process improvements and special projects related to payroll and benefits.
• Perform other payroll-related duties as assigned to support County operations.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education and / or Experience Required :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Physical Requirements :

Additional Information

Working Environment :