PX Payroll & Benefits Manager (Tampa, FL or Tulsa, OK ONLY)

Description

THIS IS AN IN-OFFICE MONDAY-FRIDAY POSITION IN TAMPA, FL OR TULSA, OK.

Universal Background provides industry leading people insights to safety sensitive organizations in a simplified experience through our best-in-class background screening, drug testing, occupational health, and verification services. We are proudly ranked as an industry leader in quality and service delivery.

Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Manager at Universal Background Screening is responsible for overseeing payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, benefits are managed efficiently, and organizational policies remain aligned with federal and state requirements. Acting as a liaison between employees, management, and external vendors, the Payroll & Benefits Manager provides expertise on compensation, payroll, and benefits matters while supporting overall business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management & Processing

• Manage the full payroll cycle, including data entry, processing, tax filings, and distribution of salary payments.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and generate required reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Data Integrity & Reporting

• Ensure the accuracy of payroll records and benefits data.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports and statistics for internal and external use
  
  

Benefits Administration

• Manage employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA-related benefits.
• Administer benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Partner with brokers, insurance providers, and vendors to optimize programs and resolve issues.
  
  

Compliance & Leave Administration

• Ensure all payroll and benefits activities comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including ERISA and ACA reporting.
• Oversee leave of absence administration, including FMLA, ADA, military leave, and other statutory or company-sponsored leave programs.
• Maintain required documentation, reporting, and compliance for all leaves and accommodations.
• Implement and maintain payroll and benefits policies and procedures that promote compliance and best practices.
• Partner with HR and managers to support employees on leave, ensuring a smooth return-to-work process.
  
  

Audit Reporting & Readiness

• Conduct routine payroll and benefits audits to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Maintain documentation and readiness for internal or external audits.
  
  

Employee Support & Collaboration

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries on payroll, benefits, and personnel policies.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and benefit-related issues promptly.
• Collaborate with HR and finance to align payroll and benefits strategies with organizational objectives.
  
  

Employee Relations & Terminations

• Support employee relations matters related to payroll and benefits, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
• Manage payroll and benefits actions associated with employee terminations, including final pay, benefit offboarding, and COBRA notifications.
• Partner with HR leadership to ensure compliance with legal requirements and company policies during employee separations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance or related field, or an equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of proven expertise in payroll processing and benefit administration.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and benefits principles.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with organizational skill.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential information.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in multi-state payroll processing, including Puerto Rico.
• Hands-on experience with benefits administration, open enrollment, health insurance, 401(k), COBRA, FMLA, and ADA compliance.
• Familiarity with HR helpdesk or ticketing systems, workforce planning, or organizational change initiatives.
• Experience conducting payroll audits and reconciliations.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or other similar certification.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be proficient in the English language, both written and verbal.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds.
  
  

Universal Background is committed to creating a diverse work environment and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.