Payroll & Benefits Manager

Overview

This Payroll & Benefits Manager role oversees end-to-end payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and regulatory compliance to ensure accurate, timely pay and benefits delivery. The position resolves payroll and benefits issues promptly, provides clear guidance to employees, and supports benefits evaluation and employee training.

Responsibilities

• Administer payroll using ADP Workforce Now.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll regulations and tax requirements.
• Accurately enter, audit, and review payroll data in ADP within established deadlines.
• Process and document wage and salary rate changes following required approvals.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries in accordance with established guidelines and timelines.
• Enter new hires and personnel changes into payroll and HRIS systems, ensuring data integrity.
• Manually enter pay data and execute necessary corrections per company policies and procedures.
• Coordinate company registrations for payroll tax withholding and state unemployment insurance (SUI) in new states as required.
• Process employee terminations, ensuring final pay and benefits are handled in compliance with legal and policy requirements.
• Set up and maintain payroll deductions for benefits, garnishments, and other withholdings.
• Coordinate with the accounting department to process and communicate wage garnishments and withholding orders.
• Prepare and generate payroll and benefits reports as needed for management and compliance.
• Distribute payroll and related reports to the accounting department on a scheduled basis.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate employee records, including pay rates, tax information, and address changes in HR and payroll systems.
• Maintain I-9 documentation (hard and soft copies) and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Complete employment verifications and respond to agency requests promptly and accurately.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from state agencies and external organizations in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare and submit reports for multi-work-site compliance, including disability, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave (PFL).

Benefits Administration

• Design, implement, and administer employee benefit programs such as health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies.
• Oversee daily operations of employee benefits, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and analyze benefits data to support competitive and cost-effective plans.
• Lead annual open enrollment and provide ongoing communication of benefits information to employees.
• Facilitate benefits enrollments for new hires and changes in employee status.
• Prepare and file Form 5500 for benefits compliance as required.
• Collaborate with auditors to complete annual 401(k) audits and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Process and manage benefit enrollments via provider platforms while maintaining data accuracy.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefit issues; resolve concerns with benefit providers.
• Administer COBRA, leaves of absence (LOA), FMLA, and other related programs in compliance with legal requirements.
• Support and participate in employee engagement initiatives and events.
• Collaborate with HR to communicate recognition programs and wellness initiatives.
• Gather feedback from employees on benefits and recommend improvements to increase engagement and retention.

Additional duties

• Perform additional projects or duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new team members in the department.
• Oversee daily workflow and schedules of the department.
• Manage employee performance (conduct 1:1s, create goals, and conduct timely, constructive performance evaluations).

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll functions, including payroll preparation, reconciliation, internal controls, and multi-state payroll tax compliance.
• Advanced proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems; strong preference for ADP Workforce Now.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership abilities, including team development and performance management.
• Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively in team-oriented settings.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in time-sensitive, high-pressure environments.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, including the ability to delegate tasks as needed.
• Excellent decision-making and multi-tasking skills; able to adapt and remain effective under strict deadlines and pressure.
• Exceptional attention to process improvement and to detail.
• Strong follow-up and project management skills to ensure completion of tasks and deliverables.
• High integrity and professionalism; ability to handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality.
• Adaptable to change with a proactive and positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with other payroll, HRIS, and benefits administration platforms (in addition to ADP Workforce Now).

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits package includes:

• Health benefits package including medical, dental & vision plans
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Referral Program
• Mentorship Program
• Company Sponsored Training
• Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics as allowed by applicable laws.

The organization participates in E-Verify.