Hennepin Arts drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Our historic venues — the Orpheum, State, Pantages and Dudley Riggs theatres, as well as our event center, The Hennepin — light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming.

Hennepin Arts is a forward-looking organization that is currently in a state of dynamic growth and opportunity. By redeeming the city-issued bonds for Orpheum, State and Pantages theatres in 2023 and welcoming a new President & CEO summer of 2024, Hennepin Arts is poised to accelerate our work as a major performing arts center in driving the vitality of the Hennepin Theatre District.

Hennepin Arts celebrates diversity in all its aspects, ensuring equity and establishing a safe and inclusive environment for all. We continue to examine ourselves and our structures to ensure we are free of bias and inequitable practices. We work to create welcoming spaces that invite people to be their authentic selves.

Position Summary

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will be responsible for managing the organization's payroll functions, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations. This role also administers employee benefits, maintains employee data, and manages the company’s retirement plans.

Responsibilities

Payroll Administration (30%)

• Process payroll for employees in the organization.
• Maintain payroll processing system and records by gathering, calculating, and inputting data.
• Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Answer staff questions about wages, deductions, attendance, and time records.
• Receive and coordinate requests for leave and other absences.

Benefits Administration (30%)

• Administer various employee benefits such as health, life, dental, and disability insurances, retirement plans, vacation, sick leave, leave of absence, and employee assistance.
• Conduct benefits orientations and explain benefits self-enrollment system.
• Maintain employee benefits records and document necessary information.
• Ensure that employee changes are entered correctly and made on a timely basis; review changes for proper authorization.

Reporting and Compliance (20%)

• Prepare reports by compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages.
• Determine payroll liabilities by calculating employee federal and state income, social security taxes, employer's social security, unemployment, and workers compensation payments.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.

Ensuring Compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements (10%)

• Ensure thorough understanding and application of the terms outlined in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
• Accurately interpret and implement provisions related to wages, overtime, benefits, leave entitlements, and other payroll-related elements as per the CBA. 
• Regularly review the CBAs to stay updated on any changes or amendments.
• Coordinate with the CAO and VP of People & Culture to ensure full compliance with the union agreements.
• Calculate and process union dues according to the specified terms.
• Ensure that the benefits and compensation packages align with the negotiated terms, including pension plans, health insurance, and other benefits.
• Handle any discrepancies or queries from union members regarding payroll and benefits in a timely and effective manner.
• Prepare reports and documentation for audits to demonstrate compliance with the union agreements.
• Stay informed about changes in labor laws and regulations that may impact the CBA terms.

Employee Service and Communication (10%)

• Provide service to all employees regarding concerns with payroll and benefits.
• Communicate with employees regarding changes in benefits, tax, and pay laws.
• Prepare and distribute detailed reports regarding payroll and benefits, including finance or audit related reports as needed.
• Communicate with the finance department to ensure

Qualifications

• Education - A bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, accounting, or similar. Education can be replaced with six (6) or more years of direct experience.
• Knowledge of Laws and Regulations - Understanding of federal and state employment laws, tax laws, and regulations related to payroll and benefits, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Strong Analytical and Mathematical Skills - Ability to perform calculations and analyze financial data accurately.
• Union Experience – Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements required.
• Attention to Detail - Precision is key in managing payroll and benefits, as errors can lead to significant issues for both the employer and employees.
• Communication Skills - Effective communication is essential for interacting with employees, addressing their queries, and explaining benefits and payroll-related information.
• Organizational Skills – Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Confidentiality and Discretion for handling sensitive employee information.
• Technical Proficiency - Familiarity with payroll software (like ADP, Paylocity, Paychex, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel required.
• Certification (Optional) - Certifications like Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) desired.
• Accounting (Optional) – Accounting experience desired.

Physical Requirements

• Due to the nature of our work, employees may be required to work some non-traditional business hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while navigating multiple levels and areas within a venue.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the assigned and essential functions.