Job Title

Under general direction, performs complex and difficult work in support of preparation, review, and maintenance of the County’s payroll system, benefits administration and data functions; ensures all Human Resources related payroll and benefits deadlines are met; ensures validation and accuracy of payroll data entered, interprets a variety of rules and regulations for FLSA, Personnel Policies and MOU compliance; prepares employee and position control reports, allocated position lists, and other and related records; researches, analyzes, and resolves pay and benefits related issues and/or discrepancies; maintains Human Resources payroll records and files; interacts with management, supervisors, and employees; and ensures adherence to established payroll policies, procedures, rules and regulations; administers employee benefit programs, including eligibility, orientations, and enrollment. The coordinator also performs a wide range of specialized administrative support services related to the Human Resources and Risk Management Department. Performs other duties as assigned.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general direction from Human Resources Director/Risk Director or designee. May exercise technical oversight of department staff as needed.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is the fully competent single class that performs the full range of professional human resources payroll and benefits functions. Incumbents are expected to have specific knowledge of program and functional areas of the Human Resources / Risk Management Division. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Human Resources Analyst series by the performance of the full specialized range of payroll and benefits duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit and may provide lead and/or functional direction to technical and support staff in implementing services to other departments.  (Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding retirement, benefits plan enrollment, and payroll. Perform, prepare, and process the County’s bi-weekly payroll for all employees; prepares the system for the Auditor – Controller’s office to input time and paycheck issuance for all staff; updates employee information; ensures FLSA requirements, benefit calculations and related adjustments received are correct and timely. Process pay changes and payroll deduction changes including salary increases, pay differentials, deferred compensation, flex benefits, and withholding for mandated or voluntary deductions, including insurances, tax withholdings, child support, garnishments, or other pay related items. Monitor hours and pay allowances due to Workers’ Compensation, disability, leaves of absence, and donated leave. Monitor and interpret current County’s MOU’s and IRS regulations for payroll compliance; respond to questions and inquiries regarding payroll procedures, MOU interpretations. Respond to requests for information including verifications of employment and public records requests. Consult with the Auditor-Controller’s Office and other authorities on a variety of issues including new deductions, changes to contribution levels, bargaining group changes, benefit deduction tables, leave tables, and timing of implementation. Conduct special research assignments, gather data, and prepare reports for consideration by management or special committees. Assist employees and management regarding wage and hour/FLSA related issues, needs, and services; counsel employees on payroll and benefits related human resources programs, policies, and processes; explain program provisions, procedures, and eligibility requirements; and assist employees with forms and Human Resources documents. Administer all County benefit programs (Medical, Dental, VSP, COBRA, Life Insurance, Voluntary plans, EAP, etc.), including eligibility, enrollment, life events, terminations, and communication via employer portal. Assist with developing a Strategic Plan for management to improve Benefits programs, including but not limited to resolving financial issues related to all approved benefits (Medical, dental, vision, and other programs). Coordinate and execute employee onboarding and off-boarding in conjunction with supervisors and the Human Resources department; process paperwork required for new employees; provide employees guidance on how to navigate through available onboarding resources. Regularly generate and analyze audit reports related to new hire and compensation changes to ensure accurate entry and completion of tasks by various department staff; identify and correct errors; notify individual employees of corrections or action needed and elevate communications to a supervisor as appropriate. Oversee the implementation of wellness initiatives. Ensure compliance with Affordable Care Act, ERISA, Department of Labor, and Internal Revenue Service, and federal statutes, COBRA, USERRA, HIPAA, FMLA. (i.e. plan documents, annual filings, responses to legal agencies, etc.). Responsible for timely and accurate payment of monthly related premiums to entities. May participate in employee non-industrial leaves-of-absence processes, interactive process and reasonable accommodations, and fitness for duty evaluations; advises management and employees on related Federal and State regulations and County policies. Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and procedures of human resources, payroll, and benefits in a public agency. Principles, practices, and procedures of payroll processing, including retirement plans, deferred compensation, disability, and benefits.  Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures governing personnel actions, including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), equal opportunity employment, consideration of job relatedness, and County Merit System rules. Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures; statistical analyses and various methods of presentation of data and recommendations.  Methods and techniques of calculating various payroll deductions. Record keeping principles and procedures.  Professional writing and report preparation. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.  Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff. Ability to: Update and maintain the County’s payroll system.  Research and analyze payroll records and reconcile identified payroll discrepancies and errors. Conduct complex research projects on a wide variety of payroll and benefits and other associated topics, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. Demonstrate proficiency in computer software programs in a Windows environment, particularly the Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheet and accounting software applications, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as CentralSquare and/or an Human Resources Information System (HRIS) Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to personnel. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information of applicants, employees, former employees, and other matters affecting employee relations. Keep abreast of developments in the field of payroll, benefits, and associated laws, ordinances, and policies. Maintain professionalism and decorum to effectively work with employees and others experiencing difficult payroll, benefit, and leave situations and/or conflicts.  Make complex mathematical and limited statistical calculations with accuracy. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Work independently and organize, prioritize, and coordinate simultaneously occurring work activities. Effectively organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Demonstrate diplomacy, tact, empathy and professionalism to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with all those contacted in the course of employment. Demonstrate initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations. Education and Experience:Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources management, business, public administration, or a related field; OR graduation from a two–year college and certification as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). Three (3) years of progressively responsible human resources payroll and benefits experience, preferably in the public sector. Completion of an approved formal certification program such as those developed by American Payroll Association (APA)/PayrollOrg which would lead to certification as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can substitute for up to two years of college. Additional professional experience specific to payroll and benefits administration may forgive the degree requirement on a four-to-one year ratio.Licenses and Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred. PI280286782