Payroll Benefits Manager

Hunter+Sage; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing organization is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee payroll operations and benefits administration. This role includes managing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and improving processes for an exceptional employee experience. Candidates should have 7–10+ years of payroll experience with strong skills in multi-state compliance. Familiarity with payroll systems is a plus. The position offers a chance to drive improvements in payroll and benefits management.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Strong experience with multi-state payroll and tax compliance.
• Proven background in full-cycle payroll processing and tax filings.
• Experience administering employee benefits programs.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle, in-house payroll processing including updates for new hires.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Administer employee benefits programs including medical and dental offerings.
• Lead open enrollment and handle employee benefits inquiries.

Skills

Multi-state payroll compliance

Payroll processing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field

Tools

Payroll systems/ERP platforms (UKG)

Job description

I’m currently partnering on a search for a Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll operations and benefits administration for a growing organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate payroll processing, maintaining compliance across multi-state regulations, and delivering a strong employee experience related to payroll and benefits.

Responsiblities:

• Manage full-cycle, in-house payroll processing, including updates for new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and deductions
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
• Handle payroll adjustments such as bonuses, overtime, per diems, and garnishments
• Reconcile payroll data and partner with finance on reporting and budgeting
• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, and additional offerings
• Lead open enrollment and serve as the main point of contact for employee benefits questions
• Coordinate with brokers and vendors to ensure smooth plan administration
• Support audits, reporting, and compliance efforts (ERISA, ACA, FLSA)
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and strengthen internal controls

Qualifications:

• 7–10+ years of progressive payroll experience
• Strong experience with multi-state payroll and tax compliance
• Proven background in full-cycle payroll processing and tax filings
• Experience administering employee benefits programs
• Familiarity with payroll systems/ERP platforms (UKG is a plus)
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and ability to manage deadlines
• Strong communication skills with a high level of discretion and ownership

Nice to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field