Human Resources Specialist (Benefits and Payroll)

Dynamis is seeking an HR Specialist in Benefits and Payroll to administer federal benefits programs and coordinate payroll-related actions. Key responsibilities include advising employees on FEHB, FEGLI, FERS, TSP, and leave policies, processing benefits elections, and ensuring compliance with DHS and OPM regulations. The role also involves managing bi-weekly payroll, maintaining accurate records, reconciling accounts, and adhering to federal, state, and local laws, including FLSA and IRS regulations. This position requires 5+ years of experience and U.S. Citizenship.

Must Have

• Administer federal benefits programs (FEHB, FEGLI, FERS, TSP, leave)
• Coordinate payroll-related actions, including bi-weekly processing
• Advise employees on benefits and resolve inquiries
• Ensure compliance with DHS, OPM, FLSA, IRS, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA regulations
• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records
• Reconcile benefits invoices and payroll deductions monthly
• 5+ years of experience
• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to successfully complete a DHS Public Trust background check
• Intermediate/expert skills in Excel

Good to Have

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
• Deep understanding of various employee benefits, including health, retirement, and insurance
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)

Responsibilities:

• Advise employees on FEHB, FEGLI, FERS, TSP, and leave policies.
• Process benefits elections and payroll adjustments.
• Coordinate retirement packages.
• Resolve employee benefit inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with DHS and OPM benefits regulations.
• ### Benefits Administration
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement, and leave programs.
• Manage open enrollment, employee eligibility, and benefit plan changes throughout the year.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with insurance brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth operations and service delivery.
• Coordinate benefits education sessions and communications to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in human resources management and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Audit and maintain accurate benefit use and accruals. Facilitate audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
• Reconcile benefits invoices and payroll deductions monthly, including COBRA enrollments and terminations, 403b contributions, FSA accounts and others.
• ### Payroll Management
• Manage and process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state and local laws.
• Maintain payroll records, deductions (for benefits, retirement, garnishments), and tax withholdings in accordance with legal requirements.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and collaborate with Finance on reporting, audits, and budgeting.
• Administer wage adjustments, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payments as needed.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, and other applicable wage and hour laws.
• Liaison with payroll vendors to ensure payroll tax returns are filed timely and maintain accurate payroll tax records.
• Review and update payroll-related policies and procedures for clarity and compliance.
• Assist People & Culture with onboarding/entry of the open enrollment processes for new employee benefits and payroll.
• Special projects and tasks as assigned.
• ### Compliance and Reporting
• Ensure all payroll and benefits programs comply with applicable laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
• Prepare and file required reports such as ACA filings, 403(b) or 401(k) contributions, and benefits audits.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• 5+ years of experience
• Ability to successfully complete a DHS Public Trust background check.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• A deep understanding of various employee benefits, including health, retirement, and insurance.
• Intermediate/expert skills in Excel required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Monitors own work to ensure professional quality and punctuality.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) is highly preferred.