Payroll & Benefits Leader — Hybrid DC Role

FAS; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) in Washington, DC is seeking a Manager, Payroll and Benefits for a full-time, hybrid role. The position administers health, retirement and leave plans, processes semi-monthly payroll, and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in HR/Business and 5+ years in benefits and payroll, with strong Excel skills and HRIS experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin, Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in benefits and payroll administration.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits programs and payroll processes.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Previous experience with HRIS software is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support employee benefits programs, including open enrollment and life event changes.
• Serve as primary point of contact for payroll and benefits questions, ensuring a high-quality employee experience.
• Own and process semi-monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Maintain payroll records, including deductions, tax withholdings and adjustments.
• Reconcile payroll and benefits accounts, work with Finance on audits and reporting.
• Manage relationships with payroll and benefits vendors for accurate processing and filings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (FLSA, IRS, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, etc.).
• Contribute to process improvements and broader HR operations as needed.
• Support HR Generalist activities and lifecycle initiatives.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

5+ years experience

Benefits knowledge

Excel skills

HRIS

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in HR/Business

Tools

HRIS software

Job description

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) in Washington, DC is seeking a Manager, Payroll and Benefits for a full-time, hybrid role. The position administers health, retirement and leave plans, processes semi-monthly payroll, and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in HR/Business and 5+ years in benefits and payroll, with strong Excel skills and HRIS experience.