Payroll and Benefits Analyst at City of Pelham, AL – Pelham, Alabama

This position is responsible for performing HR-related duties on a professional level and works closely with the Director to achieve department goals and objectives. Responsibilities include payroll administration as well as the administration of the compensation plan and benefit packages, the review and update of existing benefit and compensation related policies and ensuring they comply with current legislation.
This list is not intended to be all-inclusive nor exclusive but is intended to provide examples of typical duties performed.

• Monitors time and attendance software calculations of compensable hours to ensure FLSA rules are followed and accurate hours are calculated for payment.
• Tracks leave balances and time off requests ensuring accurate record keeping
• Administers FMLA and ensure leave is tracked appropriately according to federal guidelines.
• Makes compensation recommendations to HR Director and Appointing Authority for job offers made to new employees based on candidate’s qualifications using established guidelines.
• Makes compensation recommendations for job promotions according to the guidelines established by the Civil Service Act.
• Ensures all employee information related to payroll is accurately entered into HRIS software and updates information as needed.
• Administers annual performance evaluation program notifying supervisors of performance evaluation due dates to ensure evaluations are completed timely; Related merit increases for employees are processed, as applicable.
• Prepares annual compensation and benefit cost projections for budget preparation.
• Manages administration of compensation plan and makes adjustments as required.
• Administers employee insurance, pension, flexible spending and savings plans and works closely with brokers and plan carriers ensuring enrollments and changes are processed timely and accurately.
• Processes biweekly and monthly payroll and ensures accuracy of compensation for employees.
• Ensures biweekly, monthly, quarterly and annual payroll reports are prepared and submitted to government reporting agencies as required by law.
• Onboards new employees ensuring all appropriate legal documents are completed and benefit package choices are explained and promptly enrolled.
• Offboards separating employees regarding final compensation payments, termination of benefits, COBRA eligibility, etc.
• Schedules separating employee for exit interview with HR Director as applicable.
• Assists employees with retirement process by submitting application for retirement, explaining the options available to retirees, and converting insurance to retiree status.
• Communicates with employees to explain benefit options available to them, use of their benefits and changes to the structure of benefits when they occur.
• Assists with requests for payroll related documents for annual worker’s compensation audit and for the financial audit.
• Advises employees on state and federal employment regulations, benefit and compensation policies, personnel procedures, and classification programs.
• Responds to inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and programs as applicable.
• Serves as backup for completing employment verifications and background checks, maintaining HR files.
• Provides support in the absence of the HR Director and assists management in appropriate resolution of employee relation issues.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with others.

Competency:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs;
• Team Work - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Contributes to building a positive team spirit;
• Leadership - Inspires respect and trust;
• Ethics - Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values;
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures;
• Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions;
• Professionalism - Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;
• Quality - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.

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/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree plus five years of experience required; or
• No degree plus ten years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, COBRA regulations and EEOC requirements and all applicable labor laws.

Certificates and Licenses:

• AAPPA Payroll Certification and/or AAPPA HR Specialist preferred.
• Notary Public must be obtained within one year of hire date.

Language Ability:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office word processing software; Excel spreadsheet software and Payroll systems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

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 moderate.

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.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms.