Sr. Payroll and Benefits Specialist - Kuraray America

Title: Sr. Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist is a critical role responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, with a deep understanding of payroll and benefits integration. This position requires a high level of expertise in compliance with complex labor laws and regulations, strong relationship-building skills, and a problem-solving mindset. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a proactive approach to maintaining compliance and resolving payroll-related issues.

Responsibilities:

1. Payroll Processing:

• Manage and process multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Reconcile payroll data to ensure alignment with internal records and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure proper tax withholding, benefits deductions, and garnishments in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Review and reconcile payroll reports, including quarterly and annual filings (e.g., W-2, 1099, and tax forms).
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate payroll accounting and reporting.
• Manage payroll systems, ensuring they meet the organization's needs and remain up to date.

1. Benefits and Payroll Integration:

• Oversee the seamless integration of benefits-related transactions into payroll, including health, retirement, and other employee benefits.
• Ensure compliance with benefits-related regulations, including tax implications and reporting requirements.

Compliance:

• Stay updated on changes in labor laws and payroll practices, ensuring timely updates to payroll processes.
• Maintain compliance with all payroll and benefits laws and regulations, including FLSA, ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.
• Prepare and submit required reporting to regulatory bodies, such as 401(k) audits, 5500 filings, and ACA reporting.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

1. Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, IT) and external vendors (benefits providers, auditors, tax agencies).
• Serve as a point of contact for payroll-related inquiries, providing guidance and support to employees and management.

Problem-Solving and Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce errors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies and issues with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.

Accuracy and Reporting:

• Ensure payroll data integrity by conducting regular audits and reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports, including tax filings, year-end documentation (e.g., W-2s), and compliance reports.

Employee Experience:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries, resolving issues with a high level of customer service.
• Develop and deliver employee education programs on payroll and benefits topics.
• Regularly communicate updates regarding benefits programs, payroll changes, and compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in payroll processing, with a focus on multi-state payroll and benefits integration.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Experience with payroll systems (ADP and/or Workday) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven track record of successfully supporting audits and maintaining compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Deep knowledge of payroll and benefits laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, ACA, COBRA, ERISA).
• Professional certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) are a plus.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer AA M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

No third-party candidates accepted.