Payroll Benefits Manager

Robert Half is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll operations and benefits administration for a client of ours in the technology industry. This position will process payroll for an employee population of 800+ across multiple U.S. states. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while managing benefits programs that support employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate brings deep multi-state payroll expertise, strong systems proficiency in ADP Workforce Now (WFN), and advanced Excel capabilities, along with the ability to operate in a high-volume environment with precision and discretion.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Leadership & Processing

• Manage full-cycle payroll processing for 800+ U.S.-based employees across multiple states using ADP Workforce Now (WFN)
• Ensure accurate and timely semi-monthly/bi-weekly payroll execution (as applicable)
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax requirements
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting processes
• Review payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, bonuses, commissions, and deductions
• Partner with Finance on payroll journal entries, accruals, and month-end close activities
• Maintain payroll documentation and internal controls to support audit readiness
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy

Benefits Administration

• Administer health, dental, vision, retirement, and ancillary benefit programs
• Manage annual open enrollment processes and employee communications
• Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers and third-party vendors
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements
• Resolve escalated employee benefits inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality
• Monitor benefits utilization trends and recommend program enhancements

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with multi-state wage and hour laws and payroll tax requirements
• Maintain accurate employee records across payroll and benefits platforms
• Prepare payroll and benefits reporting for leadership and Finance stakeholders
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits activity

Systems & Process Optimization

• Serve as internal subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now
• Leverage advanced Excel tools (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliation models, data validation)
• Recommend automation and workflow improvements across payroll and benefits operations
• Partner with HRIS and Finance teams on integrations and reporting enhancements

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and leadership teams on compensation changes and workforce planning initiatives
• Support onboarding and offboarding payroll/benefits workflows
• Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding payroll policies and benefits programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll for 500+ employees (800+ strongly preferred)
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll compliance requirements
• Experience administering employer-sponsored benefits programs

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• Experience supporting audits and payroll-related financial reporting
• Prior experience managing or mentoring payroll staff
• Experience working in mid-to-large multi-entity organizations