With over 2,600 lawyers in 27 key business centers around the world, Freshfields combines an unrivalled breadth of expertise across practice areas and borders with tremendous growth opportunities within our US practices. This unique balance defines our work style and culture. On one side, there's the friendliness, personal attention and lack of hierarchy you find in a small firm; on the other, the comprehensive network, breadth of work and resources of an international organization. We're a collegial firm - we work, learn and socialize together as one team. We're also truly international in both outlook and opportunity. To learn more about the firm please visit our website at www.freshfields.com.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Payroll and Benefits Assistant
Position Summary: Reporting to the US Payroll and Benefits Manager, the Payroll and Benefits Assistant will provide high quality support to the Payroll and Benefits functions. The position is located in the New York office.
Responsibilities:
· Payroll processing and administration
o Process a semi-monthly payroll accurately and timely
Process two bi-weekly expense payrolls
o Coordinate with HR to get necessary action forms and enter and maintain system for new hires’ personal data, one off payments and ad hoc paycheck calculations
o Process employee timecards and serve as the final auditor of the entries
o Process tax and direct deposit forms after validating employee’s request
o Respond to calls and emails regarding the payroll schedule, overtime queries, payroll adjustments, how to navigate the self service module
o Produce standard payroll reports as scheduled for various departments as needed
o Maintain and file personnel and payroll documents after semi-monthly payroll process is complete
o Timely run general ledger report and prepare the file for Accounting
o Reconcile general ledger entries as needed
o Update general ledger with month end entries and respond to queries from Accounting
o Communicate with account the semi-monthly payroll funding requirements to ensure timely funding of bank accounts
o Process payroll invoices for approval and payment
· Benefits processing and administration
o Maintain the data integrity of all 3rd party vendor software i.e. Cigna, ADP, etc.
o Maintain and update the employee self-service database and approve incoming employee benefits requests after follow-up with necessary requests for validation if needed
o Answer employee benefits questions provide education on various systems such as the employee self-service module that drives event driven benefits changes
o Assist with daily benefits administration for the firm: Full life cycle open enrollment, status changes, corrections, claims administration and follow up
o Maintain leave of absence calendar for individuals, prepare paperwork, enter demographic and claims information on insurance provider’s website, run actions at each event change (e.g. initial leave, extension, paid to unpaid, return to work, etc)
o Keep key HR team members abreast of changes in leave of absence status
o Assist with the coordination of benefits programs/information sessions (Cigna, ADP, Citibank, Ameriflex etc); updates collateral materials as necessary and information on the HR Wiki
o Serve as a liaison with benefits providers to resolve employee claims
o Prepare monthly self-billing reports for 3rd party
o insurers and process monthly invoices for Cigna, Sun Life STD/LTD
o Assist with Open Enrollment, new hire enrollment, foreign employee enrollment
o COBRA administration
o Other duties as needed
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
· Bachelors Degree
· 1-3 years of HR experience; preferably with a concentration in benefits and payroll
· Ability to work overtime as required
· Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive matters and respond effectively to such situations
· A desire to gain experience in the Human Resources field
· Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and to deal with abstract and concrete variables
· Ability to create a friendly and professional rapport with attorneys, staff and external parties
· Ability to maintain a positive and respectful attitude
· Ability to maintain a professional appearance and presence
· Strong communication skills both verbal and written
· Strong PC skills (MS Office)
· Aptitude to learn and understand new software and applications quickly
Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP is an equal opportunity which does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability or veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations. The Firm's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. EOE M/F/V/D
