Payroll & Benefits Assistant

The Payroll Administrator will be responsible for managing all aspects of payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. This role requires a high level of confidentiality, accuracy, and an ability to work closely with the finance team to maintain payroll compliance and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll administration, excellent analytical skills, and a deep understanding of payroll regulations.

• Process payroll for employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Maintain and update payroll records including employee information, exemptions, insurance coverage, salary increases, and deductions.
• Calculate and process special payments such as overtime, bonuses, and holiday pay.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports, including tax filings and deductions to appropriate departments and government agencies.
• Process file transfers for all benefit deductions such as medical, 401K, dental, etc.
• Reconcile payroll data and deductions with invoices and reports from medical, dental, vision, and benefit providers.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll queries in a timely and efficient manner.
• Review changes in payroll, such as new hires, terminations, and benefits adjustments.
• Prepare reports with regular, OT, vacation, etc. hours and costs and prepare analysis to determine the efficiency of our production and internal processes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of payroll policies and procedures to improve efficiency and ensure compliance.
• Stay up to date with changes in payroll-related laws and regulations.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll procedures and records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Perform duties of Benefits Administrator, including open enrollment and Retiree insurance administration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers and all necessary levels of management.
• Always maintain a professional image and standards of professional conduct while working with the public, representing the Cooperative, and/or conducting business on behalf of the Cooperative.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate tasks, events, and activities with the Manager of Administration to ensure that all work is completed within the necessary allocated time.
• Develop, maintain, and execute a calendar and schedule of activities. Communicate and coordinate such activities with the Manager of Administration and all other necessary employees and/or levels of management.
• Scan, index, and file all required records in a manner by which they can be easily retrieved upon request by management.
• Make yourself available to answer phone calls and provide general assistance during power outages.
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Protect and maintain member confidence by safeguarding member and employee information.
• Provide service to members and fellow employees by answering questions, offering assistance, and performing other duties as assigned.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or related field preferred. (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• Proven experience as a Payroll Administrator, Payroll Specialist, or similar role, preferably in a electric cooperative or other utility.
• Extensive experience with payroll software, databases, and management systems.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local payroll and tax regulations.
• Highly skilled using computer applications including MS Office, with particular emphasis in Excel.
• Must have the ability to operate a computer as well as ordinary office equipment such as a fax, copier, printer, etc.
• Must have the ability to use critical and strategic thinking to resolve discrepancies and sustain quality control benchmarks.
• Strong numerical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• High level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Must have a valid driver's license and own transportation to and from work.
• Must be eligible to become a Notary Public and become Human Resources certified if asked.