Payroll / Benefit Administrator

Position Title : Payroll / Benefit Administrator

Reports to : Director of Human Resources

Service Area : Santa Fe, NM

Employment Term : Full-Time; 12 months; non-exempt

Deadline for Application : Open until filled

Summary

The Payroll / Benefit Administrator is responsible for assisting in processing biweekly payroll and managing employee benefits. This position handles all deductions and garnishments, prepares payroll-related documents, oversees compliance and filing requirements, and supports audits related to payroll and benefits. The role ensures accurate processing of records and provides timely and accurate financial information.

All functions of this position are expected to be performed in a positive and receptive manner, advancing the mission and vision of the New Mexico School for the Deaf.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Administer all employee benefits.
• Enter payroll and benefits deductions data in the payroll system; enter new enrollments in insurance carrier portals / systems.
• Assist with open enrollment process.
• Reconcile benefits insurance invoices and process for payment; verify employee paychecks reflect accurate payroll earnings and deductions.
• Follow up with insurance companies regarding discrepancies in invoices and payments.
• Prepare employee informational benefits packages for new hires and answer questions.
• Schedule flexible benefits plan meetings and disseminate information from benefits plan administrators (health insurance, ERA, etc.).
• Assist employees with benefit-related inquiries and provide necessary documentation.
• Administer and process various types of leave (FMLA, short-term disability, workers' compensation).
• Process garnishments, child support, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions and payments.
• Process electronic timesheets, calculate overtime and weighted overtime from the time and attendance system.
• Calculate salary adjustments, miscellaneous deductions, leave without pay, terminations, account code changes, insurance deductions, W-4 changes, and other mandatory deductions.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies as necessary.
• Update electronic payroll records for pay rate adjustments and employee status changes.
• Maintain reports including health insurance, tax deductions, Retiree Health Care, PERA, annuity deductions, garnishments, flexible benefits deductions, and other miscellaneous deductions.
• Enter and reconcile payroll data and payments for PERA.
• Complete payments by receiving, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices.
• Assist with annual audit process, including preparation of year-end audit work papers.
• Process terminations and retirement benefits.
• Prepare wage reports for administrative personnel as requested.
• Audit and maintain employee payroll files to ensure accuracy and proper documentation of payroll deduction authorizations.
• Stay current on laws and regulations related to human resources, benefits, and payroll processing.

Confidentiality and Discretion

The incumbent must maintain the confidentiality of all NMSD personnel, business, and sensitive electronic and proprietary information. Confidential information accessed or created as part of the job must not be discussed outside the organization.

Position-Specific Qualifications

Education and / or Experience :

General Qualifications and Expectations : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NMSD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We adhere to all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.? As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.