Payroll & Benefits Coordinator Lake

Lake County Government is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to lead the processing of bi-weekly payroll and support key human resources and finance functions. This position ensures accurate and timely payroll for all county employees, supports benefits coordination, HR compliance, systems management, and data reporting. The role works cross-functionally with Finance and IT to maintain smooth operations, strengthen HR systems, and provide accurate metrics for decision making.

Essential Functions and responsibilities are organized below.

Payroll Processing

• Manage and process bi-weekly payroll for all county employees.
• Audit timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate earnings and deductions.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely reporting and reconciliation of payroll liabilities.
• Support year-end processes, including W-2 preparation, tax reporting, and payroll audits.

Benefits Coordination

• Administer employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other benefits.
• Oversee annual benefits elections and ensure smooth open enrollment.
• Track enrollments, terminations, and changes; reconcile benefit provider invoices with payroll deductions.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee benefit deduction questions or discrepancies and troubleshooting.

Human Resources Administration & Compliance

• Support the implementation and adherence to HR policies, procedures, and federal/state employment laws.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure data integrity within HR systems by processing new hires, separations, and updates to employee information, including tax details, personal information, and direct deposit changes.
• Assist with compliance documentation, leave tracking (FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA), and personnel actions.
• Maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive employee information.

Systems Management & Data Reporting

• Contribute to the implementation of a new HRIS, including data migration, system testing, and process development to improve efficiency and accuracy of HR operations.
• Collaborate with the IT Department to manage HR systems functionality and improvements.
• Oversee onboarding workflows for new hires and ensure smooth data integration into payroll and HR systems.
• Generate, maintain, and analyze HR metrics to support planning and decision-making (e.g., turnover, time-to-hire, demographic tracking, benefits utilization).
• Develop standardized reports for HR and Finance leadership.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in human resources, accounting, or a related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in payroll, HR administration, or benefits coordination.
• Familiarity with employment law (FLSA, FMLA, ACA) and HRIS/payroll systems.
• Proficiency in Excel and data reporting; experience with Tyler Technologies is a plus.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to work cross-departmentally and manage competing deadlines.
• Bilingual skills are preferred to support a diverse employee population and ensure clear communication regarding payroll and benefits.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or other HR/payroll certifications.
• Experience with open enrollment processes and benefits reconciliation.
• Background in HR analytics or workforce planning tools.

Hazard Notice:
This position is primarily office-based and requires prolonged periods of sitting, keyboard use, and screen time. Occasional lifting of boxes or materials weighing up to 25 pounds may be required. The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality and may encounter sensitive situations. Occasional travel between County facilities may be required.

Physical Activity & Work Environment:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; use of hands for repetitive motions; operation of…