Payroll and Benefits Specialist

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for all aspects of payroll processing and Benefits administration for all West Music associates in multiple profit centers and states. The Specialist ensures the accuracy and efficiency of bi-weekly payrolls, data integrity within HR and Benefits systems, calculating special payments (incentives and bonuses), and Benefits administration consistent with local, state, and federal laws.

Success in this role will depend on building relationships that drive operational effectiveness by using HR and industry knowledge to maximize results and manage change. The HR Specialist – Payroll/Benefits position is a visible role within the organization and involves interaction with team members at all levels. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of payroll processes and Benefits administration and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in all aspects of their work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned as business needs dictate:

Payroll Processing

• Performs all activities necessary to process bi-weekly payrolls, including commission and bonus calculations, processing levies and garnishments, reviewing HRIS data for accuracy, preparing payroll transactions, and preparing special reports.
• Manage end-to-end payroll processing, including data entry of pay adjustments, commissions, bonuses, and benefit deductions. Calculates New Hire, Termination, and Leave of Absence payroll transactions.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to associate inquiries regarding payroll matters. Effectively and professionally communicates payroll-related matters to all levels of staff and management, including the most senior levels of management.
• Proactively identifies areas for process improvement, innovation, and opportunities for efficiency.
• Ensure company payroll matters are anticipated and addressed in a proactive fashion.
• Perform compliance checks on payroll-related matters (against both legal and company policy requirements) and reporting violations.
• Ensure the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of all payroll-related tax filings and tax issuances (such as the annual W-2s).
• Employee Self Service administration and login troubleshooting
• Establish/maintain employee records according to policy and in compliance with federal/state/local regulations.
• Research and gather required documents to set up required tax accounts in new states where companies operate. Research payroll tax payments and data discrepancies with federal, state and local agencies, and work with tax agencies as well as internal staff for resolution
• Work with payroll system to ensure that the company is in compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements, establishing state tax, unemployment tax and local city/territory accounts as necessary. Responsible for monitoring and completing tax filings as necessary.
• Pull various payroll reports from the HRIS system
• Perform Verifications of Employment

Benefit Administration

• Administer associate benefit programs including health insurance, retirement plans, and other associate perks.
• Facilitate and deliver new hire benefit orientation and enrollment.
• Act as a liaison between associates and benefit carriers, addresses inquiries and resolves issues.
• Maintain accurate and up to date associate records including Payroll and Benefits records

Required Qualifications

• 1-3 years of work experience in Human Resources with specific experience in payroll processing
• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field
• A thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations
• Intermediate Excel Skills Required
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines
• Strong discretion in dealing with highly confidential and sensitive information exhibited at all times

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The employee is generally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

What we offer:

• Hybrid/Remote work is possible for specific roles
• Full benefits package available the first of the month following the date of hire including:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k with match
  • Student Debt Repayment
  • PTO/Paid holidays

West Music is an equal opportunity, equal access employer committed to a diverse workforce. The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.