Benefits Accounting Manager Jobs

Job Title: Benefits Accounting Manager

Employee Status: Full time

Schedule: Regular

Location: Hybrid from Westfield Center, OH OR remote

About Us

You’re ready to make your mark where people care about each other. Where your work is meaningful. And where your unique perspectives are welcome. Think about joining Westfield, a company focused on what’s most important – the people behind our policies.

Westfield was founded in 1848 by a small group of hard-working farmers who believed in the promise of the future and the power of the individual. Today, as one of the nation’s leading property and casualty (P&C) companies, we remain true to their vision and are dedicated to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives.

Responsibilities

• Researches accounting and regulatory resources to ensure compliance with SAP and GAAP accounting standards and regulatory regulations. This requires proficiency in interpreting regulatory rules applicable to benefit plans. Serves as interdepartmental liaison and advisor regarding impact of benefits changes on financial statements.
• Serves as expert and point of contact for analyzing budget variances on payroll-related expenses.
• Travels occasionally in order to participate in special assignments, training, and/or travel between office locations.
• Prepares financial statement exhibits and notes related to payroll and benefit expenses and liabilities; prepares payroll- and benefit-related workpapers and manages relationships with internal and external auditors. Assists Corporate Accounting Leader in managing benefit plan audits and Form 5500 preparation required by Department of Labor.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of internal and external reporting related to payroll and benefit plan expenses on both a statutory and GAAP basis of accounting. Applies a thorough understanding of company-wide and departmental operations to consistently provide high-level professional support regarding payroll and employee benefit matters. Performs related operational responsibilities including planning, prioritization, process improvement, documentation, cross-training, and best-practice sharing.
• Collaborates with outside actuaries to determine benefit liabilities; reviews information received for reasonableness and completeness.
• Directs record retention effort in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Provides vault access as needed.
• Prepares SAP and GAAP journal entries and accruals related to payroll and benefit transactions. Prepares monthly reconciliations of payroll cash accounts and annual GAAP account reconciliations. Reviews and approves all monthly payroll- and benefit-related ledger account reconciliations prepared by Tax Paraprofessional 2.
• Maintains PeopleSoft allocation steps and groups for payroll-related accounts. Processes monthly PAYROLL and PAYBUDGET ledger allocations with limited to no supervision. Updates process documentation and cross-trains backup regularly.
• Working independently under little or no supervision, prepares monthly journals for trust expenses and claims; monitors trust assets and liabilities (excluding investments) through monthly cash and account reconciliations; prepares loan settlements, financial statements, and related projections and analysis. Distributes approved statements to authorized recipients.
• Designs, prepares and analyzes periodic and ad hoc salary analysis reports, and wage and benefit reports; prepares payroll- and benefit-related data for benchmarking surveys, such as Saratoga and Ward.
• Reviews requests for payments of benefit-related expenses, determining appropriate source of payment (trusts or general assets); approves account coding and initiates payment. Records journals for payments from trusts. Determines and maintains updated accounting guidance for those involved in the process.
• Develops and executes complex queries of PeopleSoft HRMS and financial system.
• Fosters cooperative relationships with colleagues in payroll, human resources, corporate planning, and financial reporting to anticipate needs of organization and recommend best practices.
• Identifies opportunities for new/improved processes and reporting; makes recommendations and designs and develops streamlined processes and reporting for consistent, accurate results with appropriate internal controls. Creates/maintains related documentation and provides cross-training as needed. Develops and executes complex queries of PeopleSoft HRMS and financial system.
• Serves as functional manager and subject matter expert on accounting for payroll and benefit related transactions. This requires comprehensive expertise in accounting, payroll and benefit administration, and multiple systems (PeopleSoft financials and payroll/HRMS). Coordinates activities with Payroll Leader to ensure compliant accounting for payroll- and benefit-related transactions arising from the payroll process. Contributes expertise in related projects; provides complex technical specifications.
• Maintains strictest standards of confidentiality regarding all payroll data and business activities.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.
• Experience with and strong knowledge of computer applications, including but not limited to:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting OR Business, Finance, or related field with concentration in accounting.
• Ability to work under strict deadlines in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Advanced experience in effectively managing multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Physical essential functions: ability to work 40 hours in an office environment (sitting, standing, on a computer, etc.), operate office related technology (computer, phone, etc.), travel as required.
• Excellent oral, written, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• PeopleSoft HRMS & Financial
• Certified Payroll Professional, CPA, or SHRM designation is a plus.
• Proven self-starter and the proven ability to work independently.
• 7+ years of experience in payroll administration, accounting or benefit administration.
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center or gym reimbursement and casual dress. Work/life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield.

Learn more about current opportunities at www.westfieldinsurance.com/careers.

We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.