Payroll and Benefits Manager

Under the general direction of the Human Resources Manager, the Payroll and Benefits Manager oversees employee payroll, benefits, wellness programs, and retiree functions for Santa Rosa County. This position ensures programs are administered accurately and in compliance with County policies and applicable regulations, coordinates health, wellness, and retirement plans, and serves as a liaison between employees, retirees, payroll, and benefit providers.

Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed.

Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff; establishes work priorities, reviews work for accuracy and compliance, and provides input regarding hiring, disciplinary actions, and termination decisions.
• Oversees and administers employee and retiree benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), retirement, and other voluntary benefits.
• Oversees payroll-related functions within Human Resources, including employee changes, deductions, adjustments, time and attendance processes, and coordination of payroll discrepancies and corrections.
• Reviews and reconciles benefit enrollment, billing, and payroll deduction reports to ensure accurate enrollment, deductions, payments, and records.
• Oversees benefit premium collections for employees and retirees, including employees on leave without pay or other unpaid status, and coordinates collection of outstanding premiums as necessary.
• Administers and monitors COBRA notifications, elections, premium payments, and related compliance requirements.
• Processes and oversees benefit enrollments, terminations, qualifying life events (QLEs), and changes with benefit carriers and applicable systems.
• Manages employee and retiree benefit enrollment and provides guidance regarding benefit coverage, eligibility, plan options, claims, and applicable procedures.
• Manages annual open enrollment, including employee and retiree communications, enrollment materials, required notices, presentations, system processing, eligibility verification, and accuracy of elections.
• Manages the processing of retirements, termination of benefits, employee deaths, survivor benefits, and life insurance claims.
• Reviews and approves monthly benefit billing reconciliations and coordinates timely payment processing; resolves discrepancies with carriers, payroll, and applicable County departments.
• Works with benefit brokers and insurance carriers in the selection and administration of benefit programs; evaluates plan design and recommends changes or improvements.
• Develops and performs audits to evaluate the accuracy, effectiveness, and compliance of payroll and benefit programs; takes appropriate action to resolve identified discrepancies.
• Maintains accurate payroll and benefit records and ensures the integrity of information within the HRIS, time and attendance, payroll, and benefit administration systems.
• Prepares reports, conducts research, compiles and analyzes data, and makes recommendations regarding payroll, benefits, and related HR functions.
• Assists with preparation and monitoring of the benefits budget; reviews expenditures and account allocations and coordinates necessary corrections.
• Facilitates employee and retiree understanding of benefit programs and serves as a liaison with benefit providers to resolve coverage, claims, enrollment, and other benefit-related issues.
• Assists with new hire orientation and ensures employees receive accurate information regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, and available programs.
• Plans, coordinates, and evaluates employee wellness programs and activities, including health screenings, educational programs, wellness events, and related initiatives.
• Develops and distributes payroll and benefit communications, notices, educational materials, and other information for employees and retirees.
• Participates in organizational planning and administration related to payroll, benefits, wellness, and human resource information systems.
• Maintains security, confidentiality, and discretion regarding payroll, benefits, and other human resources information.
• Interacts with employees, retirees, vendors, and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Must demonstrate commitment to the County's mission, vision, values, and goals and represent the County in a professional and dignified manner.
• May have a role in the County's disaster preparation and/or recovery efforts, as designated in the County…