Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Amy Rafter

Seattle,WA

Summary

Highly skilled payroll professional with comprehensive understanding of payroll systems and compliance regulations. Proven ability to streamline processes, ensure accuracy, and adapt to evolving needs. Strong focus on team collaboration and driving results through effective communication and problem-solving. Known for reliability and consistently delivering high-quality outcomes in fast-paced environments.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Payroll Manager

OBS Smoked & Distribution/OBI Seafoods
03.2011 - Current
  • Addressed employee inquiries regarding pay issues promptly, fostering positive relationships between management and staff members.
  • Coordinated new hire and termination processes to facilitate smooth operations.
  • Responded to employee inquiries to provide assistance with payroll-related questions.
  • Performed calculations in overtime, vacation, and sick hours to provide accurate data to payroll processing database.
  • Reviewed time records for 500+ employees to verify accuracy of information.
  • Monitored and updated employee information in payroll system to add changes in salary, bonuses and deductions.
  • Collaborated with HR and Finance departments for seamless integration of new hires into the payroll system.
  • Improved payroll accuracy by conducting regular audits and addressing discrepancies proactively.
  • Processed retroactive pay adjustments and other special payments to make up for compensation shortfall in previous pay period.
  • Maintained employee confidence with secure handling of sensitive information during all stages of the payroll process.
  • Processed payroll garnishments such as tax liens and child support.
  • Reduced errors in payroll data entry by implementing automated systems and providing thorough training to staff members.
  • Streamlined timekeeping procedures through the implementation of an automated system that accurately tracked employee hours worked for more efficient payroll processing.
  • Integrated newly acquired companies into existing payroll systems while ensuring full compliance with relevant tax laws.
  • Managed year-end payroll activities, ensuring timely and accurate W-2 distribution.

HR Generalist

Ocean Beauty Seafoods LLC
09.2008 - 03.2011
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
  • Ensured timely processing of life event changes, diligently updating employee records as needed.
  • Assisted employees with benefits-related inquiries, ensuring prompt resolutions and increased satisfaction levels.
  • Managed continuous enrollment processes, as well as yearly enrollment periods.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information related to benefit plans and personal circumstances.
  • Managed leave of absence requests, collaborating closely with HR colleagues to ensure proper documentation and adherence to company policies.
  • Directed and controlled 401K, medical, dental, and vision benefit packages.
  • Managed employee benefits program, working with vendors, providers, and staff to maintain strong portfolio of insurance and retirement options.
  • Developed effective communication materials to educate employees on available benefit options and changes in policies.
  • Enhanced employee understanding and utilization of benefits programs by developing and conducting informative workshops.
  • Coordinated with payroll to ensure accurate and timely benefits deductions and contributions.

Payroll Specialist

Ocean Beauty Seafoods LLC
02.2008 - 08.2008
  • Assisted employees with inquiries regarding their paychecks, deductions, and other related issues, providing clear and concise communication.
  • Provided customer service to employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues.
  • Performed calculations in overtime, vacation, and sick hours to provide accurate data to payroll processing database.
  • Verified and submitted timekeeping information for accurate and efficient payroll processing.
  • Collaborated with human resources to maintain up-to-date employee information for precise payroll calculations.
  • Resolved payroll discrepancies quickly and successfully.

Agency Information Coordinator

Adecco
10.2007 - 12.2007
  • Worked on a short-term project at Safeco to cancel inactive or low producing agencies

Employee/Client Services Project Specialist / Payroll Specialist

Pro Staff
01.2000 - 01.2007
  • Provided customer service to both internal associates and external clients
  • Tested software for PeopleSoft v.8 and Kronos Workforce Timekeeper v 4.3 and 5.1
  • Completed Kronos v 5.1 courses that were focused on creating schedules and general functionality of Kronos
  • Assisted database administrators by testing their modifications and upgrades to PeopleSoft, before the upgrades were rolled out to production
  • Experience with building and modifying queries in PeopleSoft to gather data
  • Experienced using Microsoft Office products
  • Provided training to internal and external associates and clients and helped troubleshoot issues with Kronos
  • Experienced using the Staffing, HR and Financial databases of PeopleSoft
  • Traveled to our offices throughout the country to assist in training internal staff on PeopleSoft
  • Processed weekly payroll and billing for up to 1,000 associates
  • Processed and entered new hire paperwork for temporary associates
  • Traveled to several markets to roll out debit cards for employees and provided training
  • Installed and maintained Kronos clocks at client sites
  • In addition to being a 'go to' area for questions regarding PeopleSoft, Kronos and general payroll questions, one of my team's main objectives was to improve business processes in our Employee/Client Services area
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and high-quality output.

Loan Processor, Underwriting Assistant

Bank of America Mortgage
01.1996 - 01.2000
  • Obtained income and asset documentation from borrowers for the purpose of reviewing and approving conditions of a loan
  • Ordered appraisals and title work for properties for the purpose of reviewing and approving conditions of a loan
  • Knowledge of the various mortgage products that were offered and the necessary borrower qualifications
  • Explaining pricing and quoting interest rates to customers and helping them to make a decision on when to lock their rate based on when we would be able to close their loan
  • Keeping customers updated as to the progress of their transaction, answering questions about the process
  • Streamlined organizational skills by managing anywhere from 45-90 loans at a time, keeping track of their conditions in our database and making sure to coordinate their closings prior to rate lock expirations

Education

Lakewood Community College
White Bear Lake, MN
01.1995

Winona State University
Winona, MN
01.1993

Tartan Senior High School -

Oakdale, MN
01.1992

Skills

  • Bi-weekly payroll processing
  • Reviewing timesheets
  • Payroll auditing
  • Payroll system implementation
  • Resolving discrepancies
  • Year-end procedures
  • New hire processing
  • HR support
  • Payroll training
  • Employee benefits administration
  • Tax compliance
  • Proficient in UKG

Interests

  • Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
  • Enjoy participating in yoga and Pilates for overall physical and mental well-being Completed RYT-200 hour certification in 2018
  • Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration, such as hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding

Timeline

Payroll Manager

OBS Smoked & Distribution/OBI Seafoods
03.2011 - Current

HR Generalist

Ocean Beauty Seafoods LLC
09.2008 - 03.2011

Payroll Specialist

Ocean Beauty Seafoods LLC
02.2008 - 08.2008

Agency Information Coordinator

Adecco
10.2007 - 12.2007

Employee/Client Services Project Specialist / Payroll Specialist

Pro Staff
01.2000 - 01.2007

Loan Processor, Underwriting Assistant

Bank of America Mortgage
01.1996 - 01.2000

Winona State University

Tartan Senior High School -

Lakewood Community College
Amy Rafter