HomeMy WebLinkAboutPayroll/Benefits Coordinator JEFFERSON COUNTY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Payroll/Benefits Coordinator
Department: Auditor
Exempt Salary System: Grade 17
FLSA: Exempt-Administrative
UNION: Exempt
Approved By: Human Resources Direct G(/ .u"-t j
Adopted: August 14, 2023
1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1 This position provides administrative and technical support in a variety of areas including, but
not limited to:
• Payroll and associated benefits
• Compliance with and application of State and federal requirements
• Coordination of assigned activities with other County departments and outside agencies
• Highly responsible and complex sensitive Payroll-related assignments
Work in this position involves the use of independent judgment in analyzing problems and making
recommendations tonolvepaymll issues. This position requires a mix of functional and technical skills
for day to day management and implementation of the County's Human Capital Management system.
Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all employee records.
2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED
2.1 Persons in this position are given significant discretion, within the scope of policy and regulations in
the performance of their duties; works independently once trained; receives supervision and guidance
from the County Auditor and Finance Manager.
3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED
3.1 This position does not supervise others and works as part of the Payroll/Accounting Team.
4.0 SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. Reviews and processes payroll status changes from Human Resources; assists with payroll data entry
and audits prior to payroll processing; and, performs pension audits and updates as required. Works with
Finance Manager to implement new systems as part of the Payroll team. Assists Payroll Manager with
payroll-related assignments and reports.
4.2. Assists with processing payroll and gains understanding of the complete process to provide backup
support to the Payroll Manager.
4.3 Processes employee payroll changes including new hires/terminations, associated benefits.
4.4 Analyzes, audits and interprets payroll and associated benefits to identify discrepancies and make
corrections; monitors, reconciles and adjusts leave balances; ensures internal controls between
Payroll and Human Resources; W2, ACA (Affordable Care Act) preparation; submits for approval
leave cash outs to Finance Manager; and, enters and applies changes in union contracts to
payroll/benefits as required.
4.5 Maintains payroll-related employee records/files;tracks forms required for employment;
communicates with employees for required forms.
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4.6 Consults with and advises employees on eligibility, provisions,and other matters related to benefits.
Maintains benefits records and acts as liaison between employees and health insurance administrators for
issues regarding eligibility,claim problems, status changes, etc. Assists employees with interpretation of
insurance benefits,claim procedures and other program benefits.
4.7 Works collaboratively with Human Resources to coordinate employee leaves of absence under
FMLA, Washington Paid Family& Medical Leave and Washington Paid Sick Leave or other unpaid
leaves, communicating level of benefits,costs, deductions, etc. Provides confidential support to
employees regarding health benefit concerns, leaves of absence affecting benefits and time loss benefit
applications.
4.8 Acts as main point of contact between benefit administrators; assists in resolving employee benefit
problems. Maintains supply of insurance forms and booklets, and ensures up-to-date revisions are
received. Coordinates meetings with deferred compensation advisors and AFLAC representative.
4.9 Updates benefit materials and other media for communicating plan information to employees.
Provides assistance and communication on various employee benefits programs such as
medical/dental/vision benefits, life insurance,deferred compensation, retirement plans; EAP,and flexible
spending/dependent care program.
4.10 Collaborates and coordinates closely with Human Resources and the Payroll Manager to ensure the
application of benefit administration and communication with other staff and departments in
benefit/payroll related data management.
4.11 Responds to employee inquiries regarding payroll/benefits in a timely manner.
4.12 Produces reports essential for ACA,Third party Administrators,etc.
4.13 Identifies and facilitates training courses of benefits to department staff.
4.14 Researches, prepares,and composes letters, reports, notifications and other materials of a
confidential nature.
4.15 Participates in self-directed team process to set work level expectations, goals and objectives.
4.16 Maintains files in accordance with state retention schedules.
4.17 Maintains an environment that is fair,consistent and transparent.
4.18 Keeps abreast of and acts upon as required,administrative or legislative changes as they apply to the
area of responsibility. Maintains an understanding of all county benefits offered; maintains an awareness
of changes to benefits; communicates changes to payroll and human resources; and makes
recommendations regarding changes.
4.19 Performs other tasks as directed.
5.0 COMPETENCY: To perform the job successfully,an individual should demonstrate competence
in the following areas:
Technical Skills_Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development
opportunities;Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
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Customer Service-Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds to requests for service
and assistance.Meets commitments.
Analytical- Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data.
Problem Solving- Researches, investigates, analyzes and resolves problems in a logical manner.
Identifies and resolves problems Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group
problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations;Listens and
gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in
meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar;
Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret
written information.
Teamwork- Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Contributes to building a positive
team spirit.
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Conserves organizational resources.
Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with
integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support_ Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly
and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
Judgment- Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-
making process; Makes timely decisions.
Decision Making- Applies judgement and discretion in resolving varied and complex payroll/benefits
problems and in interpreting policies,contracts and regulations.
Planning/Organizing- Assigns priority and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for
additional resources; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action
plans.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others
with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own
actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Creates
high quality work product.
Productivity and Output - Gathers,analyzes,evaluates and prepares clear and concise reports or
recommendations. Develops, meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions;
Uses equipment and materials properly.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes
approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected
events.
Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are
covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability -Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility
for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person
with an alternate plan.
6.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
6.1 Associate's degree(AA)from an accredited college or university with major course
work in payroll, accounting, or related field; and three years related experience;
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OR
Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in accounting, payroll, or related field; and two
years related experience;
OR
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
6.2 Ability to successfully attend and complete training necessary for functional skills
performance, maintenance,and improvement.
6.3 Valid Washington State Driver's License with a driving record free of serious or
frequent violations and ability to maintain a valid license.
6.4 Must successfully obtain APA(American Payroll Association) Fundamental Payroll Certification
within one year of hire.
7.0 REQUIRED KNOWLDEDGE,SKILLS AND ABILITIES
7.1 Ability to understand and consistently apply relevant laws,regulations,resolutions,ordinances,
codes,rules,policies and procedures. Accountable for specific project steps, works in team
environment and participate in the annual training program and annual performance evaluation
process.
7.2 Ability to maintain current knowledge of regulatory requirements related to employee
benefits. Ability to conduct research of employee benefits plans and vendors and
identify and recommend best plans.
7.3 Ability to understand federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements,
affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA,
ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, etc.
7.4 Proficient and exceptional communication skills, verbal and written, using a high
degree of diplomacy, trust and listening skills.
7.5 Knowledge of personal computer usage and associated programs including word
processing, spreadsheet and scheduling software.
7.6 Knowledge of,and ability to keep aware of,changes to federal laws and personnel case law,
RCWs, WACs, County resolutions, ordinances, polices and records management which
may impact Department,programs,services,and employees.
7.7 Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, complete assigned tasks within a
reasonable period of time and work under pressure and meet established time lines.
7.8 Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with
other employees,applicants,County officials,co-workers, union representatives and the
general public.
7.9 Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information.
7.8 Knowledge of time management and organizational skills and be able to function under conditions of
frequent interruptions,high stress and crowded surroundings.
8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT
8.1 Work is normally performed indoors. May be required to drive to meetings.
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8.2 While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk and hear;stand,
walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally
required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The
employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision requirements include:
close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, night vision,the ability
to read small print and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually
moderate.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee,
and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.