Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: MI Office - Northville, MI, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: Full Time, We are seeking a Benefits and Payroll Specialist to join the EPIC Fitness Group team. Epic Fitness Group operates 69 Planet Fitness franchise locations in Michigan, Northern Ohio and Illinois. As a member of the corporate staff, you will experience a very collaborative environment, working in our Northville office, at least 3 days per week, with our hybrid work schedule. Benefits include a 401(k) with generous employer match, profit sharing, medical, dental and vision insurance and a FREE Black Card membership to the clubs. About the RoleThe Benefits and Payroll Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team and serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for payroll taxes, benefits compliance, and employee inquiries. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver best-in-class HR operations, and is cross-trained to support multi-state payroll processing and 401(k) plan management. This individual will also contribute to special projects, auditing, reporting, and HR initiatives, on a regular basis. Essential Job Functions & ResponsibilitiesPayroll Processing & Compliance Serve as backup to process payroll accurately and on schedule Partner with HR Systems and Payroll Specialist to drive HRIS enhancements and efficiencies Validate accuracy of all payrolls prior to submission Proactively manage multi-state payroll tax processing, including tax account setup, SUTA rate management, and timely upload of tax rate notices in HRIS Stay current on existing and new payroll tax legislation and changing laws Lead and perform audits of payroll and employment tax data Manage resolution of tax matters with HRIS, States, Localities, and Federal entities Monitor HRIS Tax Center for Notices and bring them to resolution Serve as the primary contact for all payroll tax matters Complete BLS monthly voluntary payroll reporting (including 12th-of-month) and quarterly multi-worksite wage reporting Monitor and report on employee hours and status on a bi-monthly basis Serve as backup for PTO loads and accruals; anticipated to take full ownership in the future Process PAFs including pay changes, status changes, promotions, demotions, and transfers401(k) Plan Administration Serve as backup and validator to HR Systems and Payroll Specialist for the organization's 401(k) plan, including deferral and loan processingBenefits Administration Lead benefits administration including new hire enrollment and qualifying life events Manage all aspects of annual benefit open enrollment in conjunction with benefit broker and insurance carriers; assist with plan design and premium determinations Generate reports, conduct audits, and ensure accuracy of all benefits enrollments, eligibility, and carrier billing Lead benefits education and communications for all employees Manage COBRA, ACA, and benefits administration setup and maintenance within HRIS Complete ACA annual filings (1095-C and 1094-C) for applicable entities Manage ACA checklist and annual reporting requirements in Paycom Monitor part-time to full-time status transitions for benefits eligibility Review and respond to National Medical Support Order (NMSO) notices Manage employee benefits deductions and payment plans Oversee file feed setup through HRIS and conduct regular carrier discrepancy reporting Ensure compliance with ERISA requirements and maintain plan documentation Reconcile insurance invoices monthly and prepare Excel files for Accounting Create and manage data sets for benefits reporting and analysis Resolve employee questions by interpreting benefit policies and working with Benefits broker/administrator Ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act and other applicable state and federal benefit lawsStrategy, Vendor Management & Employee Support Research and analyze internal/external data relating to benefit plan elements, including market trends and benchmarks Lead annual benefits strategy including renewals, vendor management, and cost optimization Develop and deliver clear, compelling communications for benefits and 401(k) programs Create training, communications, and process documents to promote knowledge of benefits and 401(k) plan Manage broker and vendor relationships as the primary liaison for benefits partners Serve as primary responder for the Ask Here employee HR inquiry platform Implement cost containment strategies and employee education on benefit plans Collaborate with the broader HR team on special projects, initiatives, and organizational prioritiesGeneral Duties Support management in ad hoc reporting requests Audit completion of checklists and documents in HRIS and conduct follow up Serve as backup for HR Coordinator in setting up requisitions, I-9 processing, onboarding, and background checks Track Fitness Trainer certifications and follow up on completion and recertifications Partner with Accounting and Finance to support external audit compliance Manage projects, training, and activities related to payroll and employee benefits Provide prompt and courteous responses to all questions and requests for information Other duties and tasks as assignedQualifications: Qualifications & RequirementsTo 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.Required Excellent communication and customer service skills.  Ability to manage confidential information and multiple priorities.  Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR data reporting High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage competing deadlines Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex topics in a clear, accessible way Must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust, rapport and credibility within the business Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other management staff, employees, and external parties Must be at least 18 years of age Ability to work in a team-oriented environment Ability to work independently in a time sensitive, confidential environmentPreferred 3+ years of experience in benefits, payroll, HR, or related field. Working knowledge of payroll and benefits administration preferred.  Paycom HRIS experience preferred Experience with multi-state payroll processing preferred PHR, SHRM-CP, Certified Payroll Professional or equivalent HR/payroll certification Bachelor’s Degree preferred Language Skills: Ability to hear, speak and understand the spoken word, to answer telephones, and to be able to communicate effectively. Ability to read, write, analyze, interpret and understand the English language with sufficient proficiency in order to read and understand instructions for operating electronic equipment and tools, Company handbooks, policies and procedures and other written job-related documents including postings on Company bulletin boards. Ability to compose and write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management. Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent. Ability to correctly calculate gross margins and losses, labor percents, accurately administer all payroll deductions, taxes, wages, etc. Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form. Demonstrate a proactive approach to problem solving. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None required. PHR, SHRM-CP, Certified Payroll Professional or equivalent HR/payroll certification Physical Demands, Essential Functions and Required Tasks: The physical demands and required tasks described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Must be able to sit for 8 hours or more periods of time. The ability to talk and hear. Must be able to stand and/or walk incrementally, as needed. Must be able to sit, squat, stoop, crawl, reach, kneel and bend. Must be able to occasionally lift, bend and/or move 15+ pounds. The ability to use hands to grasp, finger, handle and/or feel, operate a computer keyboard, calculator in an efficient and accurate manner. Work Environment: This job operates in a professional and fast-paced office environment and in a home office while the company has a hybrid work schedule. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to multitask, maintain a positive attitude, and problem solve. EPIC Fitness Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.