Payroll & Benefits Manager – 7 Month Temporary Contract

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Accurately process biweekly payroll for around 400 employees across various states and entities in a timely manner.

• Calculate and input overtime, sick/vacation pay, bonuses, retroactive adjustments, reimbursements, and commissions.

• Oversee time-sheet approval workflows and ensure compliance with deadlines.

• Calculate and process off-cycle payments in accordance with California labor regulations.

• Act as the internal payroll authority, providing guidance to employees and management.

• Address payroll-related inquiries from employees.

• Generate payroll reports for HR, Finance, Accounting, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Manage benefits eligibility, enrollments, changes, and terminations.

• Assist employees with questions about medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401(k), and other benefits.

• Lead communications for Open Enrollment, including system updates and auditing.

• Reconcile benefit invoices and resolve any discrepancies.

• Maintain accurate HRIS, payroll, and benefits data while conducting audits.

• Support enhancements, automation, and integrations of systems.

• Ensure compliance with payroll, wage and hour laws, and benefits regulations across multiple states.

• Manage garnishment orders, wage verifications, and government inquiries.

• Keep payroll SOPs and audit documentation current.

• Assist with internal and external audits.

• Supervise tracking and pay alignment for FMLA, CFRA, PDL, Workers’ Comp, and ADA-related leaves.

• Collaborate with HR, AP, Finance, and Accounting on payroll data, general ledger mapping, and financial reporting.

• Provide insights on payroll and benefits for budgeting, forecasting, and compliance initiatives.

• Cross-train and back up People Operations workflows.

• Identify and implement improvements in payroll and benefits processes.

• Participate in People Operations projects and initiatives to enhance employee experience.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or a minimum of 3–5+ years of payroll and benefits management experience.

• Required experience in benefits administration and HRIS/payroll systems.

• Strong preference for experience supporting a workforce of approximately 300–500 employees.

• Familiarity with UKG or large-scale HRIS is a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws and garnishments.

• Solid understanding of payroll and benefits workflows and best practices.

• Exceptional analytical abilities with a knack for identifying data inconsistencies.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.

• Proficient in Excel and Google Suite.

• Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks while meeting strict deadlines.

• Comfortable learning new systems and adapting to changing processes.

• Ability to manage confidential payroll, benefits, and employee data.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

• Capability to communicate clearly via phone, video, and in person.

• This is a TEMPORARY 7-MONTH role for a Leave of Absence (LOA).

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits programs.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Administration of sick and vacation pay.

• Occasional travel for training or onsite support.

• Remote work arrangement available.

• Assistance with employee support and benefits programs.