Payroll Benefits Manager

Trinity Capital Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIN) is an international alternative asset manager that seeks to deliver consistent returns for investors through access to private credit markets. We are looking for an experienced professional to join our world-class team as a Payroll & Benefits Manager. This is a high-impact role within a rapidly growing, multi-state organization, responsible for leading end-to-end payroll and benefits operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and partnering cross-functionally to deliver accurate, reliable, and strategically aligned people-related financial processes.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Manager to lead payroll and benefits administration for a growing workforce of over 100 employees across multiple states. In this role, you will manage bi-monthly and off-cycle payrolls, including equity vesting events, while overseeing benefits activities such as open enrollment, 401(k) administration, and coordination of the company’s equity program. You will partner closely with Finance and HR on reconciliations, reporting, audits, and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls. This position is responsible for maintaining full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, safeguarding sensitive employee data, and delivering a high level of service to employees.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Process bi-monthly payroll for all employees timely, accurately and in compliance with all applicable laws and internal policies.
• Manage off-cycle payrolls, including those related to equity vesting, bonuses, adjustments, and terminations.
• Maintain and strengthen payroll internal controls, including SOX requirements, reconciliations, system access reviews, and audit-ready documentation for internal and external audits.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to perform payroll account reconciliations, assist with month-end and quarter-end reporting questions, and payroll-related reporting.
• Ensure payroll inputs (new hires, compensation changes, benefits, etc.) are accurate and complete within HRIS.
• Ensure data accuracy and compliance by maintaining up-to-date payroll and employee records and safeguarding confidential information.
• Oversee leave administration programs including FMLA, short- and long-term disability, parental leave, and all time-off plans, ensuring compliance, accurate processing, and consistent employee support.
• Continuously review and enhance payroll processes and system integrations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls, including automation opportunities, audit trail integrity, and user access management.
• Prepare and deliver routine and ad hoc payroll and benefit reports and analysis.
• Administer benefits programs, including annual open enrollment and 401(k) activities, annual nondiscrimination testing, and support the company’s equity compensation program (RSAs) within Fidelity.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries and provide cross-functional support to Finance and HR as needed.

Required Characteristics:

• Exceptional attention to detail and high level of accuracy to prevent errors; organized and consistent in following payroll procedures and controls.
• Ability to handle sensitive and private employee information with absolute discretion.
• Aptitude for investigating and resolving complex payroll discrepancies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with employees and management.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference to fields in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or Business Administration.
• 7 years of experience in payroll processing, and benefits administration with experience at a public company being a plus.
• Familiarity with SOX compliance, internal controls, and audit requirements related to payroll and benefits.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll, including tax compliance, varying state laws, and coordination across hourly and salaried employees.
• Proficiency with payroll software (Paycor preferred) and exceptional Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience administering equity compensation (RSA grants, vesting, forfeitures) through payroll and stock brokerage system.
• Experience supporting benefits activities such as open enrollment, 401(k) processing, vendor coordination, and employee inquiries.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, talk, utilize a computer, and read computer screens for extended periods of time
• Maintain consistent, repetitive motion for data entry (typing/clicking)
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs