Payroll & Benefits Administrator; Hybrid in Syracuse, NY

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is a key member of the Human Resources/People team responsible for the accurate and timely administration of Empower Federal Credit Union’s bi-weekly payroll, team member benefit programs, and 401(k) retirement plan. This role processes payroll and benefit transactions, reviews data for accuracy, completes reconciliations, maintains required records, and helps ensure team members receive correct pay and benefit coverage.

Serving as a trusted resource for team members, the Payroll & Benefits Administrator responds to payroll, benefits, and retirement-plan questions with clarity, care, and appropriate discretion. The position works closely with HR Operations, Finance, leaders, insurance carriers, retirement-plan providers, brokers, and other external partners to resolve issues and support reliable day-to-day administration.

Because this position works with highly sensitive payroll, financial, health-benefit, and personal information, success requires exceptional accuracy, sound judgment, confidentiality, and a strong understanding of internal controls. The Payroll & Benefits Administrator also identifies opportunities to strengthen processes, improve data integrity, and create a more consistent team member experience.

This position is based in Syracuse, New York, and follows Empower FCU's hybrid work model, which requires a minimum of five days on-site per month at our Headquarters. This position reports directly to the VP, Compensation & Benefits.

the hourly pay range for this position is: $32.03-$48.05

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

40% Employee Benefits & Retirement Plan Administration:

• Manages the administration of various team member benefits programs such as health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and related benefit offerings.
• Assists with team member benefit communications and educational materials.
• Assists with open enrollment preparation, team member communications, and enrollment activities.
• Processes benefit enrollments, life event changes, and benefit terminations accurately and timely.
• Serves as a resource for team members regarding benefit programs and escalates complex issues as appropriate.
• Assists with benefit reconciliations and preparation of required documentation.
• Supports implementation of system enhancements, new benefits, and benefit plan changes.
• Evaluates and updates enrollment packets, new hire orientation materials, open enrollment materials, and ongoing educational resources.
• Coordinates with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve enrollment and eligibility issues.

401k Retirement Plan Administration:

• Supports day-to-day administration of the 401(k) retirement plan.
• Assists team members with enrollment, contribution elections, beneficiary updates, and basic retirement plan inquiries.
• Coordinates retirement plan payroll deductions and contribution processing.
• Works with retirement plan vendors to resolve participant issues.
• Assists with retirement plan reconciliations, audits, compliance activities, and required documentation.

35% Payroll Processing:

• Processes bi-weekly payroll activities including employee maintenance transactions, compensation changes, payroll adjustments, incentive payments, deductions, garnishments, and termination pay.
• Reviews payroll data for accuracy prior to payroll submission.
• Performs payroll audits and research to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy.
• Processes payroll-related corrections and adjustments as needed.
• Assists with payroll reconciliations and payroll review activities.
• Maintains employee payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Generates and distributes standard payroll reports.
• Assi…