Manager, Payroll & Benefits Administration

Smart Justice California; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Justice California is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager for their fully remote, multi-state workforce. This role involves processing payroll, managing benefits, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, while maintaining data integrity and providing excellent service to employees. If you have expertise in payroll and benefits administration with a keen eye for detail, consider joining their diverse and inclusive team.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in payroll processing.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.
• Experience in a multi-state, fully remote environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processing and employee benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with payroll and benefits regulations.
• Support employee experience through responsive service.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Writing skills

Customer service

Tools

UKG HRIS

ADP

Paylocity

Paycom

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.