Manager, Payroll & Benefits Administration

Southern Arizona Legal Aid Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on clean energy is seeking a Manager, Payroll & Benefits to oversee payroll processing and benefits administration for a remote workforce. The role requires 3-5 years of experience in relevant areas, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with HRIS systems. This position offers the opportunity to shape employee experiences and ensure compliance with payroll and benefits regulations, while promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems, ideally UKG Ready.
• Understanding of payroll processes and benefits management.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processing for a multi-state remote workforce.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain data integrity within HRIS.
• Provide responsive service and support employee benefits enrollment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Writing skills

Customer service skills

Tools

UKG/UltiPro

HRIS systems

ADP

Job description

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a 501(c)(3) organization with over 1,000 members, accelerates the transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient electricity system for all. SEPA engages with its diverse membership -- including utilities, policymakers, regulators, and technology companies -- through education, collaboration and convening to advance innovative policy, regulatory, and technology solutions. For more information, please visit www.sepapower.org.

About the Opportunity

The Manager, Payroll & Benefits is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for our fully remote, multi-state workforce and serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits enrollment, life events, and leave administration. You will ensure compliance with payroll and benefits regulations, maintain data integrity within our UKG HRIS system, and support a positive employee experience through responsive and knowledgeable service. This position also manages payroll tax reporting, benefit plan deductions, and year-end processing in coordination with our Finance and third-party vendors.

The Manager reports to the Chief People and Culture Officer and works closely with the People & Culture team. Also partners with the Finance department, and external vendors to support a seamless and compliant employee experience.

Please visit our website for the full position description: https://sepapower.org/about/careers/

SEPA offers fully remote work with the option to work in person Washington, D.C.

Our Culture

At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in payroll processing and benefits administration, ideally in a multi-state, fully remote environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems (UKG/UltiPro, Paylocity, Paycom, ADP); UKG Ready experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong writing skills to regularly communicate with employees in writing about payroll and benefits.
• Understanding of payroll processes and benefits management.
• Familiarity with HRIS and time and attendance systems.
• Knowledge of payroll-related regulations and tax laws.
• Comfort and skill with public speaking to provide ongoing education and support to employees in a remote environment, ability to to synthesize complex information into digestible format for employee audience.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations and implement necessary updates.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a responsive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Familiarity with benefits regulations, including FMLA, COBRA, and ACA.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.