Payroll Specialist

United Educators (UE) provides liability insurance and risk management services to almost 1,600 members representing K-12 schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States. With 35 years serving education, we bring deep expertise to our members and focus on delivering an experience that leaves them feeling confident that we understand their needs and offer insights and solutions suited for their unique challenges. These sentiments are echoed in our employee culture, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion enables us to better serve our members and fulfill UE’s mission. Currently, we are working in a hybrid-style environment.

Are you a payroll geek who is both detail-oriented and systems minded? Have you worked with external vendors to manage the overall payroll process? Do you want to broaden your HR knowledge as part of a small team in a stable company with a strong culture and mission? If this sounds like you, apply now!

The Payroll Specialist oversees all aspects of payroll across the employee life cycle in collaboration with vendors, ensuring each payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The incumbent also provides support for core HR functions including benefits programs, compliance, reporting, and system administration.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Payroll

• Oversees the payroll function and process with external vendor ensuring payroll is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Reviews and approves payroll package from third-party vendor
• Periodically reviews and updates established process standards, payroll documents and guides
• Oversees Time & Attendance system including updates, compliance, employee setup, semi- monthly processing, and issue resolution
• Prepares offer letters, new hire and exit paperwork
• Reviews and completes annual reporting requirements including W-2s, 1095s, 5500s
• Prepares ongoing reports and works with Accounting to resolve reconciliation variances, and to ensure proper recordings of transactions
• Recommends process improvements and stays current on new system enhancements and features
• Registers as needed for new states, and complies with payroll, workers’ compensation, and unemployment requirements
• Participates in annual audits, consolidating documents required for filing

Employee Benefits

• Oversees processing of enrollments, terminations, and changes for group benefits including Medical, Dental, Life and AD&D, LTD,STD, and FSA
• Reviews reconciled benefit invoices and submits to accounting for payment processing
• Consults with employees and prepares FMLA and disability paperwork, guiding them through the process
• Acts as primary contact for benefit vendor relationships
• Works with health insurance carrier contact to design and implement Wellness program
• Collaborates with Communications team to publish monthly benefits reminders on intranet
• Participates in benefit broker meetings and annual planning cycle

Employment

• Delivers HR Orientation for all new hires
• Coordinates employee service program for employee milestone anniversaries
• Prepares monthly PowerPoint to acknowledge all staff anniversary dates
• Updates staff calendar and HR information on employee Intranet
• Schedules and sends invitations for “Time to Think” days

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 2-5 years of payroll experience, including managing external vendors
• Proficiency in MS Office, HRIS/payroll software programs, and online billing
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong project management skills, detail-orientation
• The ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change
• PHR certification preferred
• Experience with ADP systems preferred