Payroll and Benefits Manager in Knoxville, Tennessee at KARM Stores

Summary

Oversees KARM Stores' payroll and benefits administration by ensuring employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with organizational policies and government regulations. This role manages payroll processing, benefits administration, leave management, payroll auditing, reporting, and employee support while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, accuracy, and customer service. Through operational excellence and sound judgment, the Payroll & Benefits Manager supports the overall health and effectiveness of KARM Stores' Team Services department.

Essential Functions

Payroll Administration & Employee Support

• Oversee the organization's bi-weekly payroll process to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll administration.
• Manage the payroll email inbox, responding to payroll inquiries, pay change requests, payroll corrections, and other payroll-related communications.
• Review payroll information for accuracy and collaborate with the Director of Team Services to resolve payroll discrepancies, timecard issues, and exceptions.
• Serve as a resource for managers and team members by answering payroll-related questions professionally and confidentially.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding employee information, compensation, and payroll records.

Success Factors: Communication Judgment & Integrity Mission Alignment

Benefits Administration & Team Member Support

• Administer employee benefits programs by assisting eligible team members with benefit enrollment, changes, and questions.
• Process benefit-related life events, new enrollments, and qualifying status changes within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
• Ensure ACA compliance through HRIS dashboard monitoring and maintenance.
• Coordinate and track Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short-Term Disability, and other leave administration processes.
• Support Open Enrollment planning, communication, implementation, and employee education.
• Assist with communication between payroll systems and benefit providers to ensure accurate eligibility and enrollment data.

Success Factors: Communication Adaptability Operational Excellence

Compliance, Reporting & Operational Excellence

• Conduct quarterly payroll audits and reconcile payroll information to ensure compliance and data integrity.
• Compile payroll, benefits, and workforce metrics for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
• Analyze payroll reports and identify trends, discrepancies, or opportunities for process improvement.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll, tax, wage, and benefit regulations.
• Maintain accurate employee records, payroll documentation, benefit files, and audit documentation.

Success Factors: Operational Excellence Accountability & Results Critical Thinking

Administrative Support & Organizational Stewardship

• Provide administrative support to the Team Services department as assigned.
• Collaborate with Team Services leadership, Finance, payroll vendors, and benefit providers to ensure seamless payroll and benefits administration.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, reporting, and employee service.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, stewardship, and Christlike character in every interaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational priorities and ministry initiatives.

Success Factors: Teamwork Mission Alignment Accountability & Results

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of payroll, benefits administration, HRIS, accounting, or human resources experience.
• Experience processing payroll for multi-location organizations preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, employee benefits, FMLA, COBRA, ACA, and payroll tax requirements.
• Experience with Paycom or comparable HRIS/payroll systems preferred.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
• Commitment to supporting and advancing the Christ-centered mission and values of KARM Stores.
• Valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of payroll administration and payroll compliance.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits administration and leave management.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling highly sensitive employee information.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, payroll software, HRIS systems, and reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze payroll data, identify discrepancies, and implement process improvements.
• Commitment to professionalism, stewardship, continuous improvement, and the mission and values of KARM Stores.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry office materials up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, and telephones.
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy while working with detailed financial and confidential information.

Work Schedule and Required Hours

Full time or Part time, Hourly, Monday through Friday, Up to 40 hours per week. Attendance at scheduled meetings, training, or events as needed.