Tamela Bowers

HR, Payroll & Benefits Administrator / Executive Assistant

City of Flowood

01.2013 - 08.2025

Administer and optimize HRIS systems (BBI, Tyler Technologies) to manage payroll, absence tracking, benefits, and compliance processes for 200+ employees.
Partner with IT and vendors to implement system enhancements, integrations, and process improvements that increase payroll accuracy and reduce processing time.
Lead configuration, testing, and validation of payroll and timekeeping workflows, ensuring alignment with policies and compliance requirements.
Troubleshoot payroll, time tracking, and benefits system issues, conducting root cause analysis and implementing sustainable solutions.
Serve as primary liaison between HR, payroll, and technology teams to gather business requirements and translate them into effective system configurations.
Conduct periodic audits to ensure data accuracy, security compliance, and streamlined reporting capabilities.
Maintain thorough documentation of workflows, configuration changes, and system processes for transparency and continuity.
Manage system-related change requests, evaluate potential impacts, and execute approved updates following best practices.
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.
Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information related to benefit plans and personal circumstances.
Supported payroll department by verifying accuracy of deduction amounts for various benefit plans prior to each pay period processing cycle.
Managed annual open enrollment process, coordinating efforts across departments to ensure a smooth experience for all employees.
Facilitated seamless onboarding experiences for new hires by providing comprehensive benefits orientation sessions.
Directed and controlled 401K, medical, dental, and vision benefit packages.
Partnered with third-party vendors to resolve issues related to benefit plans and streamline administrative tasks.
Managed employee benefits program, working with vendors, providers, and staff to maintain strong portfolio of insurance and retirement options.
Located providers for employee medical, dental and life.
Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations by conducting regular audits of benefit programs.
Coordinated wellness initiatives, fostering a healthy work environment and promoting employee engagement in personal wellbeing.
Implemented user-friendly online benefits portal, significantly improving employee access to information and enrollment options.
Conducted comprehensive benefits audits to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, mitigating risk of non-compliance.
Assessed and evaluated jobs to determine appropriate salary ranges.
Managed benefits renewal process, assessing proposals and making recommendations for plan changes.
Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
Assisted in the development of company policies and procedures, contributing to a more organized work environment.