Payroll and Benefits Manager

LHH; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH in Manhattan is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee payroll operations, benefits administration, and HR systems for a growing organization based in New York City. The role requires expert ADP Workforce Now knowledge, multi-state payroll management, and collaboration with HR, Finance, and business leadership.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in payroll and benefits, strong compliance knowledge (ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA), and a hands-on approach to improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll and benefits experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now.
• Experience supporting a unionized workforce.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll operations preferred.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and discretion with confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for exempt, non-exempt, union, and non-union employees.
• Audit payroll data, deductions, earnings, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, reporting, and related accounting processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and collective bargaining agreement requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Discretion with confidential info

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business / Accounting / Finance

CPP/SHRM/PHR preferred certification

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee payroll operations, benefits administration, and HR systems for a growing organization based in Manhattan. This role will serve as the subject matter expert for payroll and benefits, ensuring accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and an exceptional employee experience.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise with ADP Workforce Now and prior experience supporting a unionized workforce. This individual will partner closely with HR, Finance, and business leaders to manage payroll, benefits, compliance, vendor relationships, reporting, and continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for exempt, non-exempt, union, and non-union employees.


• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing through ADP Workforce Now.


• Audit payroll data, deductions, earnings, garnishments, and tax withholdings.


• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, reporting, and related accounting processes.


• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and collective bargaining agreement requirements.


• Support payroll-related audits and maintain accurate records.

Benefits Administration

• Administer all health and welfare, retirement, leave, and wellness programs.


• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and escalations.


• Manage annual open enrollment and communication campaigns.


• Partner with benefits brokers and vendors to evaluate program effectiveness and cost efficiency.


• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.

HRIS & Reporting

• Act as the primary administrator for ADP Workforce Now.


• Maintain employee data integrity and system functionality.


• Generate payroll, benefits, workforce, and compliance reports.


• Analyze trends and develop recommendations to improve operational efficiency and employee experience.


• Support system enhancements, upgrades, testing, and process automation initiatives.

Compliance & Labor Relations Support

• Ensure adherence to payroll, wage and hour, and benefits regulations.


• Support administration of union-related payroll provisions and collective bargaining agreements.


• Partner with HR leadership on audits, policy updates, and compliance initiatives.


• Maintain accurate documentation and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.


• 5+ years of progressive payroll and benefits experience.


• Required: Strong hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now.


• Required: Experience supporting a unionized workforce.


• Experience managing multi-state payroll operations preferred.


• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and benefits compliance.


• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.


• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and discretion when handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), SHRM, PHR, or related certification.


• Experience in financial services, healthcare, nonprofit, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.


• Experience with HR analytics, dashboards, and process improvement initiatives.

Success Profile

The successful candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented and highly accurate.


• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.


• A strong problem solver with excellent analytical skills.


• Service-oriented with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.


• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Location Requirement: Must be able to work onsite in Manhattan on a regular basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act


• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance


• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers