Payroll/Benefits Manager

Maryland Paper Company; California (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Paper Company is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to lead payroll and benefits operations across Maryland and California. The role collaborates with HR and Finance to ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance, and efficient benefits administration.

The ideal candidate will have strong UKG/Kronos expertise, multi-state payroll experience, and deep knowledge of California payroll regulations, with a track record of improving processes and controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll (MD & CA preferred).
• 3+ years of benefits administration experience.
• Strong knowledge of California payroll laws (meal breaks, overtime, final pay).
• Proficient in UKG/Kronos and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for Maryland and California employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal, Maryland, and California wage & hour laws.
• Lead benefits administration including enrollments, open enrollment, and vendor coordination.
• Maintain and optimize payroll systems (UKG/Kronos) including employee data changes.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations for accurate payroll data and reporting.
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting (W-4s, YTD earnings, PTO).
• Oversee ACA, 5500 filings and related reporting.
• Supervise payroll for temporary workforce and invoicing processes.
• Serve as escalation point for payroll and benefits inquiries.
• Support HR with leave administration (FMLA/LOA tracking in UKG).
• Maintain accurate personnel records and data integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll and benefits processes.

Skills

UKG/Kronos

Multi-state payroll

Regulatory compliance

Excel

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Reports To: Controller
Location: Company-wide
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Salaried)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to lead and oversee payroll and benefits operations for employees across Maryland and California. This role works closely with HR and Finance to ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance, and efficient benefits administration.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in UKG (Kronos), multi-state payroll, and regulatory compliance, with specific experience managing California payroll requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage end-to-end payroll processing for Maryland and California employees, including taxes, garnishments, and deductions
• Ensure compliance with all federal, Maryland, and California wage & hour laws
• Lead benefits administration including enrollments, open enrollment, and vendor coordination
• Maintain and optimize payroll systems (UKG/Kronos) including employee data changes
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate payroll data and reporting
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting (W-4s, YTD earnings, PTO, etc.)
• Oversee compliance reporting including ACA, 5500, and related filings
• Supervise processes related to temporary workforce payroll and invoicing
• Serve as escalation point for payroll and benefits inquiries
• Support HR with leave administration (FMLA/LOA tracking in UKG)
• Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure data integrity
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll and benefits processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred)
• 5+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll (Maryland & California preferred)
• 3+ years of benefits administration experience
• Strong knowledge of California payroll laws (meal breaks, overtime, final pay, etc.)
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment

What We're Looking For

• Strong ownership mindset and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Process improvement and problem-solving orientation