A ton of companies boast their unlimited PTO and dog-friendly offices, or maybe these days, discounted streaming sweat sessions. We get that and we love that. But at C.A. Fortune, we’re so much more than just cool perks. We’re committed to investing in our people because ultimately, they are who define us. We welcome diversity, value curiosity, and love uniqueness. We strive to provide a space for individuals to become a better version of themselves each day, not only for themselves, but for their teammates, their clients, and their customers.

At C.A. Fortune, we aspire to maintain our position as the nation’s leading consumer brands agency. We realize how fortunate we are (yes, pun intended?), to offer a comprehensive solution to our clients from sales management, to marketing, all the way down to insights, and e-comm. The beauty of that is not only in our breadth of services to our clients, but what that provides us. And that’s the opportunity for individuals (aka future employees, aka you) to find a perfect fit within our org. If you’re a go-getter, willing to roll-up-your-sleeves, are a creative(ish) thinker, you don’t mind parent jokes, and appreciate feedback loops, then we’re probably, ok certainly, the company you’re looking for.

Position Summary

The Total Rewards Specialist is self-motivated, learns quickly, and demonstrates the ability to project manage multiple task focused work streams at the same time. This role requires the credibility and integrity to maintain confidential, sensitive company and employee information at all times, while addressing all employee issues with empathy and providing an outstanding employee experience.  This person will process and oversee the organization’s payroll functions, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations. The individual will be the company’s subject matter expert with all payrolls, benefits and related systems. Responsibilities and projects will be varied anywhere from administrative to highly analytical in nature and typically will require independent judgment and follow-through with internal and external people and systems.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key project manager and owner of our People & Culture technology (including Bamboo, Alight & system integrations) 
• Serve as primary liaison for employee benefit and payroll inquiries
• Handle confidential information with sensitivity and discretion

Payroll Responsibilities

• Process, review and balance bi-weekly payroll. Ensure payroll transactions are processed correctly for time, earnings, benefits, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and other items that affect pay &/or company liability.

• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from employees.
• Partner with Finance to prepare quarterly tax credit reports and submit to third party vendor
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary or suggested changes to Manager, People and Culture.

• Respond to all unemployment claims in a timely manner.
• Updates employee change request, assist and prepares correspondence to outside requestors: employment verifications, child support, unemployment, workers compensation, etc.
• Produces scheduled and ad-hoc reports pertaining to payroll or benefits as requested by the Finance or People Team

Benefit Responsibilities

• Administer benefit programs, consult with and advise employees on eligibility for all insurance and 401(k).

• Plans and supports annual open enrollment period. This includes preparation and distribution of materials, host meetings to communicate changes to employees, arranging for on-site representation by providers, and processing changes within deadlines.
• Create and maintain census reports for insurance brokers.
• Partners with Specialist, People and Culture for the new employee on boarding process. Presents benefits presentations to ensure employees gain an understanding of benefit plans and enrollment requirements
• Fulfills all governmental regulatory mandates and ensures filings are performed as required
• Plans, conducts and reports results of audits to ensure all enrollments are accurate and that dependent information is correct for each employee and works closely with Finance for quarterly and year end audits (payroll, Workers Comp, 401k, etc.).
• Processes monthly billings from providers. Reviews billings for accuracy and approves for payment in a timely manner. Resolves discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
• Coordinate with third party administrator to manage disability claims according to the plan.
• Administers online COBRA enrollments/changes and responds to and manages unemployment claims and workers compensation cases.
• Generates files/reports such as the EEO1/Vets 100, annual non-discrimination testing for benefits plans, annual reports, as well as other special and ad hoc reports as requested

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Strong  understanding of employee benefits with a history of supporting the employee experience.
• Three to five years of related experience required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with payroll software, TRAX payroll preferred

• Excellent organization and communication skills, strong attention to detail
• Strong collaborator across teams and functions at all levels of the organization

• Self-motivated with a great attitude, ownership and desire to impact the culture of the organization

• Must be based in Chicago, IL

Reporting Structure: Reports to Sr Manager, People & Culture

Location: Chicago, HQ

 Compensation:

• Salary commensurate with level of experience and current market landscape
• Benefits package available: medical, dental, life insurance, 401k
• Additional Options: vision, short term & long-term disability
• Company provided computer