NCE is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Specialist to administer payroll, employee benefits, leave programs, HR compliance activities, HRIS data management, and employee support services. This role serves as a key resource for employees regarding pay, benefits, leave of absence programs, and payroll-related questions while supporting compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The ideal candidate is highly organized, service-oriented, and able to manage confidential information with accuracy and discretion.
Responsibilities:- Process multi-state payroll accurately and in accordance with established payroll schedules.
- Audit employee time records, PTO balances, compensation changes, deductions, reimbursements, tax withholdings, and payroll reports.
- Maintain payroll records and ensure data accuracy within payroll and HRIS.
- Process garnishments, wage assignments, tax levies, direct deposits, and payroll adjustments.
- Reconcile payroll records, quarterly tax filings, and year-end payroll processes while supporting payroll audits, compliance activities, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Generate payroll reports and provide information to Accounting department, management, and auditors as requested.
- Administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP, wellness, HSA, FSA, and retirement benefit programs.
- Administer employee benefit programs, including enrollments, eligibility audits, benefits orientation, ACA reporting, qualifying life events, employment status changes, terminations, and COBRA administration.
- Coordinate and support annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit education.
- Reconcile monthly insurance invoices and resolve discrepancies with carriers and vendors.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefit plans, eligibility, coverage, claims, and enrollment questions.
- Support annual insurance renewals and work closely with brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
- Administer and track FMLA, ADA accommodations, worker's compensation leave, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, state leave programs, and other leaves of absence.
- Coordinate leave communications with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers while maintaining confidentiality.
- Maintain accurate employee leave records and monitor leave usage, return-to-work status, and compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications (Must Have):- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Five or more years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
- Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment.
- Experience administering FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and state leave programs.
- Working knowledge of employee benefits administration and leave management.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Qualifications (Nice to Have):- ADP Workforce Now experience.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar certification.
- Experience in engineering, consulting, construction, or professional services.
- Working knowledge of prevailing wage laws and certified payroll requirements, particularly for public works projects.
- Knowledge of ACA reporting and benefits compliance requirements.
- Experience reconciling payroll and benefits data with accounting records.
Working Conditions:- Primarily office-based work with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
- Frequent interaction with employees, managers, insurance carriers, and third-party vendors.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Occasional travel for training or company meetings may be required.
Salary range: $80,000 - $90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
