PAYROLL/BENEFITS MANAGER

Position Summary

The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits for faculty, staff, and administrators in a private education environment. This role ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, supports institutional policies, and provides high-quality service to employees while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.

The position requires deep knowledge of payroll operations, benefits administration, and the unique employment structures of independent schools, including academic-year contracts, stipends, adjunct roles, and tuition remission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Manage and process biweekly/monthly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees, including faculty on academic-year employment agreements, hourly staff, seasonal employees, and stipended roles
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, stipends, supplemental pay, and deductions
• Administer payroll changes related to hires, terminations, leaves, contract changes, and role adjustments
• Oversee payroll tax compliance, including filings, reconciliations, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 941s, etc.)
• Coordinate payroll audits and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with Finance

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, FSA
• Manage benefits eligibility, enrollment, changes, and terminations in accordance with plan documents and school policies
• Serve as the liaison with benefits brokers, vendors, and plan administrators
• Support annual open enrollment, including communications, system setup, and employee education
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations

Compliance and Policy Support

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment and payroll laws
• Support institutional audits and regulatory inquiries related to payroll and benefits
• Assist with the development, maintenance, and interpretation of payroll and benefits policies
• Ensure confidentiality and security of employee data

Employee Support and Communication

• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource for employee payroll and benefits questions
• Provide guidance on pay statements, deductions, benefit options, and leave-related pay impacts
• Collaborate with HR colleagues on onboarding, offboarding, and leave administration

Systems and Data Management

• Maintain payroll and HRIS systems, ensuring data accuracy and process efficiency
• Generate payroll, benefits, and compliance reports as needed for leadership and Finance
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and benefits compliance requirements
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems
• High level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an independent school, higher education, or nonprofit environment
• CPP, SHRM-CP, or related professional certification
• Familiarity with academic-year employment structures

Core Competencies

• Confidentiality and ethical judgment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a cyclical academic environment

Work Environment

• Office-based environment within a private school setting
• Periodic evening or weekend work during payroll cycles, open enrollment, or fiscal year-end