Payroll and Benefits Specialist

The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will report directly to the Controller of finance and work closely with

other members of the Finance / Accounting and the Human Resources team.

Responsible for the day-to-day Administration of the payroll function to ensure payroll is processed for the

bi-weekly (and weekly Davis Bacon employees) pay processing deadline. This includes coordinating with

the finance and HR department to process payrolls for all employees, monitor payroll schedules and

facilitating / assisting in any other pay-related change functions in our systems.

Works as the point of contact for employees with payroll inquiries, related to federal, state, and other

withholdings, payroll deductions, direct deposit, and other pay issues. The Payroll Specialist should be

able to handle confidential information professionally.

This position is also responsible for leading the administration and maintenance of companywide benefit

programs, including health, dental, vision, 401K, Life insurance and other defined contribution plans. To

include entering employees into the benefits portals, and termination benefits when employees exit the

company.

This position may also perform duties to assist the HR department and may carry out responsibilities in

some or all of the following functional areas: onboarding, employee information and data entry,

offboarding, reporting, and other general HR duties.

• Act as the point of contact for any payroll and Benefits related employee issues or concerns.

• Set up new hires in Payroll, timekeeping and Benefits portal and systems.

• Collaborate with HR team to process pay changes, job changes, etc. in the payroll and time reporting systems.

• Collaborate with HR Team in the processing of employee terminations (reconciling final pay, withholding, reimbursements, PTO, etc.) and terminating employee in Payroll, timekeeping and benefits portals and systems.

• Analysis of payroll reports, data integrity and any other payroll related items as assigned.

• Reconcile and process weekly payroll for Davis Bacon employees.

• Complete / assist HR with any Payroll information for employment verifications, WSI, Unemployment, etc.

• Reconcile employee hours for payroll.

• Process payroll.

• File biweekly 941 reports (on website).

• Create and submit 401k report for employee contributions.

• Reconcile PTO balances and run report to ensure data integrity and accuracy between systems (in collaboration with HR Team).

• Pay all payroll related liabilities to include but not limited to wage garnishments (child support orders, etc.), benefits, PTO, reimbursements, etc.

• Submit payment for employee benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Life Ins, etc..) after reconciling the billing accuracy against employee data.

• Reconcile Payroll Liabilities to include but not limited to: Compensation, PTO, benefits, bonus payments, reimbursements, and any “claw back” funds owed to the company.

• Reconcile Payroll clearing account.

• Report wages to Montana State Fund.

• Annual WSI Reporting and audit preparation.

• Prepare annual payroll reporting and W-2’s.

• Annual preparation and reporting for 401k Census audit.

• Open enrollment – enter new open enrollment deductions into payroll system.

• File and pay Federal 940s.

• Prepare and file all payroll reports and payroll taxes.

• Complete quarterly Federal 941 form.

• File and report to ND and MT state unemployment.

• ND state Withholding (any other state withholding, if applicable).

• Multiple Worksite Reporting (if applicable).

• Ability to maintain professionalism and a high degree of confidentiality.

• Understanding of accounting practices and current regulations. Maintains knowledge of industry trends to assist with compliance.

• Ability to identify legal requirements and government reporting regulations.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be able to effectively communicate with other employees, managers, and all other relevant third parties involved with the jobs performed. This includes (but may not be limited to) typing, speaking, reading, writing, and hearing.

• Associate degree in accounting (or related field) or equivalent related work experience.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a payroll position.

• General Knowledge and familiarity of the basic principles of finance, accounting, and bookkeeping.

• Excellent time management skills, attention to detail, and a high level of confidentiality are required.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (including strong Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power Point skills).

• Experience with payroll processing systems and payroll software

• Experience in construction, manufacturing or oil and gas preferred.

• Associate degree in accounting, Business or Finance.

• Strong mathematical skills.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job (but are not limited to). The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, or crouch for extended periods of time, unassisted. Manual and finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate office machinery are required. This job also requires a full range of body motion to include handling and lifting. The incumbent must repeatedly lift and/or move up to 30 (THIRTY) pounds unassisted. Visual acuity, hearing, speaking, reading, and writing must be adequate to perform all required tasks safely. 

The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Work is usually done indoors and sometimes 

(rarely) at a client facility or job site. The incumbent may be expected to travel to other work sites with prior notice. 

It is the policy of Badlands Contracting, LLC. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Badlands Contracting, LLC. will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.