Payroll and Benefits Manager

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing the payroll process and managing employee benefits programs. This position ensures that payroll is processed accurately and on time, and that benefits are administered efficiently. The Payroll & Benefits Manager acts as a key liaison between employees, management, and external vendors, providing expertise on compensation and benefits issues. This role requires experience in human resources, finance, or a related field, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, including data entry, processing, and distribution for multi-state bi-weekly payroll supporting approximately 1,000 employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Oversea the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Coordinate with external vendors for benefits administration and payroll processing.
• Develop and implement payroll and benefits policies and procedures.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries regarding compensation.
• Analyze administrative problems; determine an effective resolution.
• Prepare and submit payroll and benefits reports and statistics for internal and external use.
• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records and ensure data integrity.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll and benefits records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, managers, vendors, and others as necessary.
• Maintain federal and state payroll reports; including tax payments W2 processing.
• Manage the processing of a high volume of wage attachments; partner with vendor on payment to authorities.
• Oversee timely and accurate responses to employee Verification of Employment and other requests on behalf of agencies.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance Departments to align payroll and benefits strategies with organizational goals.
• Perform other (or other related) duties as applicable or assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities/Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience in drafting, preparing and managing monthly financial reports.
• Scheduling flexibility to prioritize payroll schedule.
• Excellent time management skills; punctual, reliable and deadline driven.
• Payroll management software expertise (preferably UKG).
• Microsoft Office suite proficiency.

• Considerable knowledge of payroll administration, including federal and state regulations and underlying regulatory principles.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, business administration or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or other relevant certification.
• Experience and proficiency with payroll software and systems. UKG Pro preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in benefits administration and vendor management.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload effectively.
• Experience and proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits management.
• Proven track record of managing payroll and benefits efficiently.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work 8 hours consecutively.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.