Position Summary:

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing and administering payroll and benefits for Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa). This position includes:

• Payroll Processing: Calculate deductions, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Benefits Administration: Oversee the administration of O-pa benefit plans, including retirement contributions and other employee benefits programs. Investigate new benefits programs and enhance existing ones.
• Benefits Plan Design: Design employee benefits plan and provide analytical and technical support for their delivery.
• Departmental Support: Assist with day-to-day department activities, maintaining high levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• Core Values Implementation: Uphold and promote the organization’s core values of Team, Trust, and Integrity, while delivering excellent internal and external customer service.

 Specific Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Process bi-weekly payroll and manage payroll metric tracking and trend analysis to ensure accurate and timely payment of employees.
• Handle enrollments, COBRA, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, distributions, loans, hardships, terminations, required notices and compliance testing.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, salary updates, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Oversee and manage workers’ compensation and general liability claims.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
• Regularly communicate with employees on all benefit updates, changes, and plans.
• Perform benefit plan audits. Manages 401K audit in partnership with VP, Human Capital and Inclusion. Prepare, collect, and organize data for actuarial assessments.
• Produce annual reports like the workers’ comp audit, salary surveys, census and OSHA reporting.
• Complete annual ACA filing and accuracy of W2s.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations and timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• A part of the day-to-day efficient operation of the HR Department.
• Assist with the tracking of departmental measurements that support the accomplishment of the company's strategic goals.
• Audit monthly benefit invoices and submit for payment for upon approval.
• Serve on O-pa Committees as HR representative/co-chair.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications:

• 3-5 years’ HR administrative, benefit and payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and benefit administration.
• Proven attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in HRIS software and Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel for data analysis.
• Familiarity of Federal, State, and local payroll tax regulations and employment laws.
• Self-starter, works well independently and exercises good judgment.
• Completes tasks on time and has excellent administrative and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Works well in a fast-paced team environment, while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address audits, payroll discrepancies and benefits-related issues.
• Ability to communicate written and orally with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Maintain personnel information in a confidential, objective, and professional manner.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• High School diploma

Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications:

• PHR preferred
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Ability to handle the mental/physical strain involved in the use of printed materials, computer screens and preparing data or information for reports.
• Moderate manual dexterity for basic keyboard work; including grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination.
• Requires near vision in reading correspondence, reports and using the computer.
• Acute hearing is required when providing phone service and taking notes at meetings.
• The incumbent works in an environment of frequent interruption.

Equipment/Machinery Used:

• General office equipment (computer, telephone, fax, copier, scanner, and printer).