Payroll Benefits Manager

The Payroll & Benefits Manager owns all aspects of The Connor Group’s payroll and benefits programs, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, timely and accurate pay processing, and high levels of associate satisfaction, with a constant focus of fulfilling these duties in the most cost-effective way. The Payroll & Benefits Manager will establish strategies for continuous improvement in payroll operations and benefits administration and have a strong desire to leverage technology for improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• Lead the team in processing payroll accurately and timely, including accounting for new hires, terminations, and all pay changes.
• Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of changes in the law.
• Maintain and manage accurate associate records and payroll data, assisting with the reconciliation of payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Oversee the processing of payroll withholdings, including deductions for 401(k), FSA, and other benefits.
• Direct payroll operations, ensuring payrolls are processed on time and in compliance with legislative and company policies. Proactively mitigate risks and minimize errors.
• Develop and/or maintain payroll policies and procedures, facilitate changes in regulatory processing, and lead payroll-related projects.
• Analyze and put forth payroll system requirements and manage payroll implementation activities in connection with systems updates and/or company structure changes, such as acquisitions or establishment of new legal entities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll, providing excellent customer service and guidance to associates and management regarding taxes, wage and hour laws, garnishments, timekeeping processes, and compliance.
• Manage year-end payroll and payroll tax activities, including the preparation of W-2 forms and fringe benefit reporting.

Benefits Management

• Design, implement, and manage our associate benefits programs, ensuring an elite benefits package is both competitive and cost effective.
• Manage relationships with our insurance broker, benefits providers, and other relevant parties.
• Oversee open enrollment, processing benefit changes and terminations, and maintaining effective communication with associates about their benefits options.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant benefit laws and regulations, staying current on legislative changes.
• Prepare and submit required reports to government agencies, maintaining accurate records for audit purposes.

Leadership

• Experienced with leading teams through change, with the ability to clearly articulate vision, strategies, and goals, while remaining adaptable to evolving business needs.
• Skilled at setting effective SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals.
• Skilled with delivering timely feedback, holding team members accountable, as well as recognizing and rewarding accomplishments.
• Ability to foster a culture of growth and learning, challenging your team to develop their skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing payroll and benefits teams.
• Advanced technical knowledge with hands-on experience managing payroll system development, configuration, and reporting; experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success with identifying and leading process improvement initiatives and system implementations; project management leadership experience a plus.
• Proven record serving as a strategic partner to the business with strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive associate data.
• Strict attention to detail, highly organized, efficient, and ability to multi-task.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with both internal and external customers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.