Benefits and Payroll Specialist

It’s more than just numbers.    

Miller Kaplan is a different kind of CPA firm; we believe in building a legacy—yours. We want to give our clients the very best, and we understand that begins with helping our employees be their best through professional mentorship, life-work integration, and a sense of community. That starts with you!

Job Summary:

The Benefits and Payroll Specialist in the People & Culture Department is responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, wellness program, and 401(k) plan.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Administer various employee benefits programs, such as group health, flexible spending accounts, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness benefits.
• Conduct benefits orientations and explain benefits self-enrollment system.
• Maintain employee benefits filing systems and ensure benefits changes are entered appropriately in payroll system for payroll deduction.
• Assist employees with health, dental, life and other related benefit claims.
• Verify the calculation of the monthly premium statements for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data relative to premiums, claims and costs. Resolve administrative problems with the carrier representatives.
• Administer COBRA.
• Review and respond to unemployment claims with appropriate documentation. Review monthly unemployment statements.
• Coordinate workers' compensation claims with third-party administrator. Follow up on claims.
• Assist People & Culture manager in obtaining statistics and information in renewal process of any health, life and retirement plans that benefit the company.
• Prepare and set up meetings designed to help employees obtain information and understand company benefits and other related incentive programs. Ensure distribution of required employee notices.
• Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information.
• Performs quality checks of benefits-related data.
• Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes.
• Distributes all benefits enrollment materials and determines eligibility.
• Enrolls employees with carriers and process life status changes.
• Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
• Processes and administers all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability and FMLA.
• Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities.
• Responds to 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts. Manages the annual catch-up contribution enrollment.
• Assists with the open enrollment process.
• Administers the tuition reimbursement program.
• Enters, maintains, and/or processes information in the payroll system; information may include employees hourly rates, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other compensation, time worked, paid leave and holidays, deductions and withholding, address changes, and other information.
• Ensures proper processing of payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, charitable contributions, and other deductions.
• Reconciles payroll to the general ledger and monthly bank statements.
• Issues, or reissues, physical or replacement checks or direct deposits due to payroll errors or final discharge.
• Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, systems, and procedures.
• Provides necessary reports for allocation/billing charges.

Education And Experience:

Required:

• Associate’s degree in HR or related field, but experience and/or other training/certification may be substituted for the education.
• Two years’ experience in HR and/or benefits administration.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field of study.
• Professional in Human Resources (HRCI-PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (HRCI-SPHR), Professional in Human Resources CA (HRCI-PHRca), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

Benefits

Life:

• Competitive Salary: We value your dedication and hard work. We offer a competitive salary of $75,000 - $85,000 per year for this role.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Start with 20 days and watch it grow, plus 2 extra days annually for managers.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical options include HMO, PPO, HDHP, with fully covered dental and vision for you.
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses conveniently with a benefits debit card.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.

Family:

• Hybrid & Remote Flexibility: Work-life balance matters! Enjoy flexibility based on your role.
• Insurance Benefits: Basic life insurance, voluntary life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
• Dependent Care and Pet Insurance: Covering loved ones, furry or not, with flexible spending accounts and pet insurance.
• Bereavement Paid Time Off: Time to grieve and heal without work worries.
• Sabbatical and Personal Leave Options: Recharge and refocus with time off for personal needs.

Business:

• Social Events: Networking and unwinding at virtual and in-office firm social events.
• Community Involvement: Volunteering events that give you and your team a chance to give back and grow stronger together.
• Referral Bonuses: Earn rewards for growing our team and client base.
• Commuter Benefits: Funds for transit and parking to ease your daily commute.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for licenses, memberships, CPE allowance, and access to classes through Becker.

Dreams:

• Retirement Plans: Tailored 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for your financial future.
• Support for Professional Certifications: Assistance on your journey to CPA or CFE, including study materials, exam reimbursements, and bonuses.
• Leadership Development and Mentorship: Personal and professional growth through mentorship programs and our firm’s competency model (Blueprint for Development).

Ready to embark on a fulfilling career journey with us? Join our team and unlock a world of opportunities and support!

Miller Kaplan does not accept unsolicited candidates, resumes, or referrals from staffing agencies or third parties unless there is a signed agreement in place. Any submissions to any employee or owner of Miller Kaplan without a pre-existing agreement will be considered Miller Kaplan’s property and not subject to fees. For existing agreements, a role must be approved by the People & Culture department in writing and open to external search; otherwise, submittals and referrals will be considered Miller Kaplan property and not subject to fees. For inquiries regarding referrals or contracts, please contact careers@millerkaplan.com.

Miller Kaplan is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Miller Kaplan is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas now or in the future, unless otherwise specified in the job posting.

Miller Kaplan participates in E-Verify. Go to https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify to learn more.