The Payroll Specialist I handles the day-to-day processing of payroll, ensuring accurate calculations, timely payments, and compliance with payroll laws and regulations. This role supports the workforce by staying up-to-date on laws and regulations for all the states DNCU has employees. The Payroll Specialist I will run necessary reports, and maintain payroll knowledge in order to respond to inquiries from the workforce. This role also conducts internal audits to ensure 100% compliance, and cooperates with audits conducted by DNCU and external auditors. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities: 

•  Process bi-weekly payroll; audits information, such as salary increases, benefits and payroll deductions and adjustments. 
•  Maintain payroll records according to department standards and in line with regulatory requirements for record retention; Document and maintain updated procedures regarding payroll-related duties. 
• Responsible for annual workers compensation and payroll audit; act as a liaison between auditors & examiners for audit requests. 
• Process bi-weekly, quarter-end and year-end taxes; process and distribute W-2's, Form 5500's. 
• Process month-end payroll reports for various stakeholders; prepare custom reports as requested by management. 
• Process incentives, bonuses, wellness reimbursements, gifts/gift cards, and the like; process final paychecks to terminated employees. Processes must be timely and with 100% accuracy to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. 
• Responsible for payroll and benefit changes to ensure accuracy and completeness; input 401(k) deductions into web site to be transmitted to 401(k) administrator; produce the 401(k) annual Valuation as well as profit sharing contributions. 
• Responsible for reconciling benefit billings; verify accuracy of invoices and submit for payment. 
• Provide support for managers and employees regarding employee changes, timekeeping, and other changes that impact payroll and the HRIS; respond timely and professionally to inquiries from the workforce around compensation or payroll questions. 
• Support general HR department responsibilities, including but not limited to, responding to employment verification requests, compensation survey's and special projects or events. 
• Perform other related duties, as assigned. 

Performance Measurements:

1.  Process the credit union payroll with 100% accuracy

2.  Process all assigned reports in a timely manner with zero unresolved errors

3.  Provide informed, professional, accurate service and support to all stakeholders.
4.  Keep management informed of any key issues impacting the department.

Salary

Level I: 

The starting pay range for this position is $21.52 to $26.90. New hires typically brought into the organization at a rate between the range minimum and the range maximum, depending on the qualifications, internal equity and the budgeted amount for the role.

Level II: 

The starting pay range for this position is $24.04 to $30.05. New hires typically brought into the organization at a rate between the range minimum and the range maximum, depending on the qualifications, internal equity and the budgeted amount for the role.

Senior: 

The starting pay range for this position is $26.93 to $33.66. New hires typically brought into the organization at a rate between the range minimum and the range maximum, depending on the qualifications, internal equity and the budgeted amount for the role.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance. 
• 401(k) - Traditional or Roth
• Paid Time Off
• Eleven (11) paid holidays/year
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Short-Term & Long-Term disability, Basic employee Life, AD&D, Dependent basic Life, AD&D
• Other great benefits: Wellness Reimbursement Plan, Educational Reimbursement Program, Development Programs, and Interest-Free Educational Loan.

Work Location: 

Rio Rancho Branch in Rio Rancho, NM

Experience: 

Level I:

One year to three years of similar or related experience.

Level II: 

Three years to five years of similar or related experience. 

Senior: 

Five years to eight years of similar or related experience. 

Education:

Level I:  

(1) A two-year college degree, or (2) completion of a specialized certification or licensing, or (3) completion of specialized training courses conducted by vendors, or (4) job-specific skills acquired through an apprenticeship program.

Level II: 

 (1) A bachelor's degree, or (2) achievement of formal certifications recognized in the industry as equivalent to a bachelor's degree (e.g., information technology certifications in lieu of a degree). 

Senior: 

(1) A bachelor's degree, or (2) achievement of formal certifications recognized in the industry. If no bachelor's degree, a Payroll Certification must be obtained within 18 months of occupying the Senior Payroll Specialist role. 

Interpersonal Skills:

Work involves extensive personal contact with others and is of a personal or sensitive nature. Motivating, influencing, and/or training others is key at this level. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.  

Other Skills: 

1. Knowledge of and proficient use of Microsoft computer applications to include Word and Excel
2. Ability to maintain confidentiality

3. Detail oriented
4. Effective verbal and written communicator
5. Must be available for after-hours events, to include weekends, as required   by work demands. This will include actively participating in the preparation,   set-up, facilitation and closing of any/all department-coordinated events   throughout the year.
6. Remain current on legislative and regulatory developments as they affect   human resources, payroll, benefits, and the financial industry, etc. 

Physical Requirements: 

Requires sitting for extended periods of time and sometimes involves lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment: 

Work performed in a climate-controlled office setting.  Hybrid work is possible with approval from supervisor and will be subject to change based on the needs of the organization or department.