Payroll & Benefits Specialist

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll and employee benefit programs for Farmers Coop Society. This position serves as a trusted resource for employees and leaders by ensuring payroll is processed accurately, benefit programs are administered efficiently, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations are followed.

As a member of the Human Resources team, this position supports the cooperative's commitment to serving employees with integrity, professionalism, and exceptional customer service while contributing to a culture that values partnership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

Process multi-location payroll accurately and on schedule for hourly and salaried employees.

Review and validate employee hours, overtime, shift differentials, commissions, bonuses, and other payroll adjustments.

Maintain payroll records and employee data within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and payroll software.

Process new hires, promotions, transfers, wage changes, and terminations within payroll systems.

Ensure accurate payroll tax reporting, garnishments, deductions, and year-end processing including W-2 preparation.

Reconcile payroll reports and partner with Finance to ensure payroll accuracy and proper general ledger reporting.

Maintain confidentiality of payroll information and employee records.

Administer all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts (FSA), COBRA, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits.

Coordinate benefit enrollments for new hires, qualifying life events, and annual open enrollment.

Serve as the primary contact for employee questions regarding payroll, benefit eligibility, enrollment, deductions, and claims.

Work closely with insurance carriers, brokers, retirement plan providers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee concerns.

Reconcile invoices and ensure payroll deductions are accurate.

Assist with annual benefit renewals, employee communications, and educational meetings.

Maintain accurate benefit records and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Administer the cooperative's workers' compensation program, serving as the primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, insurance carriers, and medical providers.

Coordinate the reporting of workplace injuries and ensure claims are submitted accurately and within required timelines.

Maintain workers' compensation claim documentation and monitor claim status, return-to-work plans, and claim closures.

Partner with supervisors to facilitate transitional duty and return-to-work programs that support employee recovery while meeting operational needs.

Coordinate communication with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and healthcare providers to resolve claim issues and manage costs effectively.

Maintain OSHA injury and illness records, including OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs, ensuring accurate documentation and timely annual reporting. 

550 Audits.

Prepare and submit required workplace injury and safety reports in accordance with OSHA and applicable state and federal regulations.

Assist with incident investigations by gathering documentation and maintaining records to support safety initiatives and regulatory compliance.

Support safety initiatives and employee education by assisting with workers' compensation, injury reporting, and regulatory compliance communications.

Ensure compliance with all federal and state employment laws including FLSA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, and applicable IRS regulations.

Prepare payroll, benefits, and workforce reports for leadership as requested.

Support internal and external audits related to payroll and employee benefits.

Maintain documentation and records in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.

Assist with employee onboarding by coordinating payroll and benefit enrollment.

Participate in orientation sessions to educate employees on payroll procedures and benefit offerings.

Support HR initiatives, employee communications, policy administration, and special projects.

Collaborate with managers across Agronomy, Grain, Feed, Lumber, Retail Meats and corporate operations to provide exceptional employee support.

Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.

Integrity in every interaction and a commitment to outstanding service for employees.

Accountability for accuracy and compliance.

Collaboration across departments and locations.

Continuous improvement through innovation and efficiency.

Respect for confidentiality and professionalism.

Support for Farmers Coop Society's mission of serving its member-owners, employees, and communities through partnership, integrity, and value delivery.

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Ag Business, Education, or a related field Preferred. 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Highly organized with attention to detail.

Willingness to learn and take initiative.

This position is based in a fast-paced office setting. Equipment used includes a computer, phone, fax machine, copier, and other standard office equipment. Typical office hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. Occasionally, the position will require working outside, with exposure to the elements, loud noise, and agricultural equipment.

While performing job functions, the employee will frequently be required to talk and hear. The employee will also spend intervals moving and sitting, with occasional need to reach, bend, twist, crawl, crouch, stoop, or kneel. The employee should be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and 15 pounds frequently. The physical demands of this job are low.

Opportunity to support a vital local industry—agriculture.

Exposure to a wide variety of roles and people across the cooperative.

Hands-on learning and growth in all aspects of HR.

Work in a team-oriented, community-focused environment.