Payroll and Benefits Manager

Southern Botanical - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Dallas, TX

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Bilingual Payroll and Benefits Manager at Southern Botanical is responsible for processing payroll for approximately 350 employees while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This role also oversees employee benefits administration, working closely with brokers and carriers to manage programs effectively. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to enhance the payroll and benefits experience for all employees.

Responsibilities

• Complete the accurate and timely payroll process for weekly and semi-monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure all non-exempt hours are accurate and provided in a timely manner.
• Communicate with payroll provider, UKG (Inova), to ensure all payments, garnishments, and tax transactions are accurate.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure accurate employee data and changes are processed (e.g., new hires, terminations, salary changes).
• Collaborate with the Accounting and HR teams on payroll reconciliations, benefits expenses, and workers' compensation audits.
• Answer payroll-related inquiries from all team members.
• Prepare and supply payroll reports for management and/or auditors when necessary.
• Oversee year-end/quarterly payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reporting.
• Partner with benefits brokers and carriers to ensure efficient administration of all employee benefits.
• Lead the annual open enrollment strategy and ensure the accuracy of open enrollment elections to carriers.
• Reconcile 401(k) plan participant contributions and company matching contributions each pay period.
• Resolve billing errors, eligibility issues, and adjustments for all benefit plans, including COBRA.
• File Form 5500 and complete 1095c annual processes.
• Communicate health and wellness programs through the company's monthly newsletter and via Inova.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency in payroll operations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and benefits records and ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.

Requirements

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field highly preferred.
• 5+ years in payroll processing, with a strong understanding of federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Certification in Payroll preferred (e.g., CPP, FPC).
• Expertise in UKG/Inova HRIS and Aspire preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll and benefits concepts to employees in English and Spanish required.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address payroll discrepancies and improve processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits programs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with payroll certifications (e.g., CPP, FPC).
• Familiarity with health and wellness program communication.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching