Direct Hire- Benefits & Payroll Manager

Ultimate Staffing - Saint Louis, MO

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Louis, MO

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Benefits & Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing payroll processing, benefits administration, and the integration of these functions with the company's HRIS. This role requires strategic thinking and hands-on experience in payroll operations, benefits programs, and HRIS management, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with regulations while providing a positive employee experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees, including salary, bonuses, overtime, and deductions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Handle payroll-related audits and resolve discrepancies.
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll and manage the payroll budget.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, disability insurance, and leave management.
• Ensure timely enrollment, changes, and terminations of benefits, in line with company policy and legal requirements.
• Manage relationships with benefit vendors and brokers to ensure optimal service delivery.
• Provide hands-on education to employees about benefit offerings and assist in the resolution of employee benefit issues.
• Maintain and optimize the HRIS to support payroll, benefits administration, and HR data integrity.
• Lead the implementation of system upgrades, enhancements, and new modules.
• Ensure accurate data input, reporting, and analysis using the HRIS.
• Train HR and payroll staff on HRIS functionalities and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve HRIS-related issues in collaboration with IT and external vendors.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state payroll, tax, and benefits regulations.
• Prepare and submit required filings, such as ACA reporting, 401(k) audits, and tax submissions.
• Generate and analyze payroll and benefits reports to support decision-making and regulatory compliance.
• Manage internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits.
• Act as a subject matter expert for payroll and benefits-related inquiries.
• Provide excellent customer service to employees regarding payroll and benefits issues.
• Partner with HR leadership to continuously improve employee experience and HR processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in payroll and benefits management, with at least 3 years of HRIS management experience.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), SHRM-CP, or equivalent certifications preferred.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, UKG or similar platforms).
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong understanding of federal and state payroll laws, benefits regulations, and tax compliance.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with assisting internally employees through change management from transitioning systems and providers.
• Experience with change management processes and support assisting transition between systems.

Benefits

• Direct Hire position
• Hybrid work model (4 days in office, 1 day remote)