Payroll and Benefits Specialist

AZTEC is currently seeking resumes from qualified, responsible, self-sufficient, energetic Payroll and Benefits Specialists for our Phoenix, Arizona office. The ideal candidate will be motivated to develop and build their personal knowledge and skills to assist with the growth and success of the office. We offer a friendly, professional atmosphere with excellent benefits and a salary commensurate with experience.

Job Description

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist organizes, coordinates, and carries out all payroll and benefits activities company-wide as well as onboarding items. This position provides administrative and operational support to the Human Resources Manager. Below is a list of the duties and responsibilities of the position:

Payroll Items:

• Process payroll on a bi-weekly schedule for all employees
• Review timesheets weekly to ensure they comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Communicate with employees and their supervisors on timesheet corrections
• Ensure timesheets are completed and approved
• Collect, compile, review, and enter payroll data from employee timesheets (Deltke) to the payroll system (ADP)
• Reconcile employee deductions
• Process incoming garnishment, tax levy, and child support orders
• Investigate and correct payroll discrepancies and errors
• Update payroll records by recording changes including insurance coverage, loan payments, salary increases, and tax withholdings
• Process new employees, terminations, transfers, and promotions related to payroll
• Complete requests for pay-related documents including statements and verifications
• Maintain comprehensive payroll records
• Prepare bi-weekly payroll journal entries
• Process state reporting requirements that are done outside of the payroll system (ADP)
• Answer employee timesheet questions
• Process Prevailing Wage requirements such as pay adjustments, payroll backup for invoicing, and reviewing updates to the regulations.
• Completes, process, and file unemployment claims
• Research requirements for new and existing federal, local and/or state payroll laws

Benefits Items:

• Sends monthly reminders to the new hires regarding benefit enrollments
• Administration of all health benefits, while acting as the liaison between employees and insurance providers
• Works with Health Benefits Broker for critical claim items
• Main point of contact for employees during the annual open enrollment for the health benefit plans
• Coordinates with a third-party administrator for annual COBRA enrollment, processes new COBRA enrollments and tracks COBRA payments
• Approve and process all health benefits enrollments and changes
• Processes all health benefit bill reconciliations to ensure benefits administration and payroll deductions are being processed and managed correctly
• Submits disability claim paperwork and maintains proper records for the insurance company
• Assists HR Manager with Worker’s Compensation claims and helps with the annual audit
• Assist with safety questionnaires and track the Experience Modification Ratings
• Conducts FMLA and leave of absence paperwork and maintains proper records
• Affordable Care Act Compliance – Full-time Tracking
• Assist HR Manager with 401(k) plan administration, compliance, and annual audit
• Research requirements for new local and/or state law benefit changes
• Sends out monthly health benefit newsletter

Onboarding items:

• Enter and create profiles for all new employees upon offer acceptance

• Plan new employee orientations
• Conduct new employee orientation to foster a positive attitude toward organizational objectives.
• Perform I-9 and E-Verify for all employees
• Maintains I-9 Files and keeps them current

Employee Engagement items:

• Helps with employee events, especially the large company parties
• Collaborate with the HR team about new ideas to engage staff
• Assist with the Employee Recognition Program

Administrative Items:

• Complete, processes, and file employment verifications
• Update all HR spreadsheets with employee change requests and assist with preparing paperwork
• Submits annual EEO-1 and VET reporting
• Assist HR Manager with various research projects and/or special projects
• File documents into the appropriate employee file
• Provide HR communication with IT and Office Facilities for employee supervisor changes
• Processes HR mail for payroll and benefit items
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills):

• A minimum high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of eight (8) years of Payroll and Benefits experience and ten (10) years of administrative experience are required.
  • Preferred: Associate’s degree in Business Management/Administration, Communications, or another closely related field is required. Four (4) years of Payroll and Benefits experience and five (5) years of administrative experience are required.
• Strong typing and advanced computer application skills such as Microsoft Programs (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
  • Working in Excel +85% of the time
• Ability to operate a telephone, PC, copier, and other basic business machines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Performs customer service function by answering employee requests and questions
• Payroll experience is a plus
• ADP experience is preferred
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Valid Driver's License, with the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance carrier

Competencies (To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies):

• Communicative – interacts openly with others; can maintain relationships, works well independently or with a team.
• Consultative - Consults with other disciplines as needed; tolerates different perspectives or opinions.
• Decisive & Action Oriented - Has a high level of energy and stamina; gets things done; makes sound educated but rapid decisions even when short of information; enjoys managing challenging projects and works well in fast-paced and pressure environments. Self-motivated and proactive
• Flexible - Adapts to new challenges and circumstances; able to multi-task; thrives on variety and frequently changing environments; creative problem solver. Resourcefulness, with minimal direction.
• Analytical – Uses sound data, and procedures, and follows all laws, rules, and regulations but is a solutionist or problem-solver.
• Conscientious and Organized – Believes professional integrity is paramount; understands the importance of project records; responsive to clients and deadline oriented; quality oriented.

Working Conditions and Environment:

Will need the ability to establish rapport quickly with others working on the same project, and be able to promote a positive team environment. Working knowledge of dealing with a diverse population while using tact, diplomacy, and respect.

AZTEC Culture:

• Action oriented and flexible
• Zealous supporter of clients and teammates
• Thinking toward future and personal growth
• Equitable, inclusive, and diverse
• Collaborative comradery

AZTEC Benefits:

AZTEC offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Paid-time-Off, and a 401(k) plan.

AZTEC Overview:

AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. (AZTEC) is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides diversified technical and consulting services to clients in the United States. AZTEC is part of the TYPSA Group, an international consulting engineering firm with over 3,100 employees and more than 50 offices worldwide providing multidisciplinary consulting services in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and environment. AZTEC has a diverse culture that focuses on providing rich opportunities for its employees.

AZTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, housing status, or any other non-job-related characteristic under applicable law.

Please apply online at www.aztec.us/career