Payroll & Benefits Senior Specialist

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption•Dublin, OH

17h

About The Position

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated exclusively to finding permanent homes for the more than 130,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE With support from human resources (HR) leadership, the payroll & benefits senior specialist is responsible for the accurate and efficient administration of payroll and benefit operations, ensuring compliance and providing operational support across human resource operations. This role plays a critical part in delivering accurate payroll processing, reconciling payroll and benefits activity, reviewing invoices and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The payroll & benefits senior specialist partners closely with benefit brokers and external vendors to support effective plan administration and facilitate timely resolution of payroll and benefit matters. Through a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, this role supports operational excellence and provides responsive support to employees while advancing the Foundation’s mission and vision.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of payroll administration; understanding of federal, state and local tax regulations, with the ability to interpret requirements, provide guidance and ensure organizational compliance
Strong proficiency in payroll and software systems, such as Paylocity; including experience supporting HR and payroll initiatives or system implementations; advanced Excel skills, including data reconciliation and analysis; knowledge of project management tools (e.g., Asana) and ability to quickly learn new systems
Proficient knowledge of employee benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, disability, COBRA and leave administration
Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement federal, state and local laws and regulations related to HR, benefits, payroll, tax compliance, leave of absence, FMLA and ADA policies
A proactive, customer-service oriented approach to work, with a focus on creating positive experiences for employees while delivering a variety of HR services
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with employees, colleagues and external partners while demonstrating professionalism, discretion and the ability to adapt communication style based on the situation and audience
Exceptional organization skills, attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
Values diversity and supports an inclusive culture through respectful collaboration and engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives
Bachelor’s degree in human resources business administration or related field
4+ of relevant experience in human resources required, 6+ years preferred
Direct experience in payroll and employee benefits administration

Nice To Haves

PHR or SHRM-CP a plus; Certified Payroll Professional a plus
Experience with HRIS software, Paylocity preferred

Responsibilities

Administer payroll processes and HRIS system management; accurately process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll transactions; maintain payroll configurations (earnings / deduction codes, tax settings, benefits, garnishments, taxes and other deductions); serve as the primary point of contact for payroll and tax support Audit and reconcile payroll data; conduct monthly reconciliation process between payroll and insurance invoices; collaborate with finance department to research variances and provide troubleshooting support as needed
Ensure accurate calculations, withholding and reporting of federal, state and local payroll taxes; support compliance with multi-state payroll tax and unemployment insurance regulations
Investigate and resolve discrepancies; recommend solutions and/or escalate more complex issues as needed
Lead year-end activities including W-2 preparation and audits
Manage day-to-day benefits administration; ensure qualifying events and employee inquiries are resolved in a timely, error-free manner; effectively communicate benefit offerings, changes and updates to employees; facilitate annual open enrollment process; review benchmarks and best practices to identify opportunities and benefit enhancements; serve as primary contact with benefit brokers and insurance carriers Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPPA and other applicable regulations, including administration of workers’ compensation (BWC) and unemployment compensation programs
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPPA and other applicable regulations, including administration of workers’ compensation (BWC) and unemployment compensation programs
Develop employee communications and education materials related to payroll and benefits
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
Manage all COBRA, FMLA, ADA and general leave inquiries; ensure consistency and compliance with internal policies; guide employees through the interactive process and ensure compliance with federal and state laws; lead unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance and claims
Update and maintain employee personnel and medical records, including the Foundation’s HRIS; ensure all data is accurate, up to date and secure; conduct audits; handle confidential matters with discretion; implement process improvements to streamline HRIS reporting & data management
Provide other generalist duties including assist with the planning, coordinating and set-up of various HR and all-staff events; provide guidance and recommendations for employee job classifications, compensation, and employee handbook; create and run reports, update HR data and metrics, fulfill HR purchases, oversee compliance with mandated postings and draft and facilitate monthly newsletter
Perform other duties as assigned