Payroll Benefits Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll/Benefits Specialist with the focus on pensions to support the administration and processing of retirement benefit payments. This role is responsible for ensuring pension-related transactions are processed accurately, maintaining data integrity, resolving discrepancies, and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to provide timely and compliant retirement payment services. 3-5 years of payroll experience is required . Pension/ benefits experience is not required, but nice to have. This is a temporary contract with a potential of temp to hire, hybrid position (3 days in office a week) located in Oakland, CA . Only candidates within commuting distance to Oakland will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Verify pension payment transactions to ensure all required information is complete and accurate before processing.

Administer retirement refund requests in accordance with policies and regulatory requirements.

Prepare and process Minimum Required Distributions (MRDs) for eligible retirees.

Review and complete pension payment corrections, including Notices of Correction (NOCs) and other payment revisions.

Investigate discrepancies affecting retirement payments, including employment separation information, by partnering with campuses and internal teams.

Maintain member payment records by updating banking information, direct deposit details, and other payroll-related data.

Communicate with members and internal partners to gather missing documentation, resolve questions, and facilitate payment processing.

Research payment exceptions and reconcile discrepancies to ensure accurate retirement benefit disbursements.

Maintain the integrity of retirement system records by reviewing and updating member information as needed.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams—including Payroll, Compliance, Calculations, Contact Center, and Business Process Administration—to support daily pension payroll activities.

Monitor transactions for irregularities and report potential compliance concerns or suspected fraudulent activity through established procedures.

Assist with initiatives designed to improve workflows, increase operational efficiency, and strengthen data accuracy.

Qualifications

Minimum of 3-5 years of payroll experience .

Strong payroll reconciliation experience required.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel .

Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex issues.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail when processing financial transactions.

Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of internal departments and external stakeholders.

Willingness and ability to learn detailed retirement and pension payroll processes.

Demonstrated professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive member and financial information.

Payroll administration platform/s - Redwood or similar .

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

Retirement or pension plan administration and software experience

Benefits administration - Pensions

Finance experience

Compliance, auditing, or quality assurance

Customer support within payroll, retirement or finance

Compensation

Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: We offer eligible employees competitive pay and access to a range of benefits and support programs based on assignment type, schedule, length of employment, and eligibility requirements, including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, short-term disability, 401(k), employee assistance, childcare assistance, discounts, paid holidays, and longevity bonuses. Depending on the benefit, cost may be paid by the Company, the employee, or shared between both.

EOE: We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.

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