PAYROLL & BENEFITS MANAGER - NEW JERSEY OFFICE

Prominent law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a Payroll & Benefits Manager for our New Jersey Office. The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for the oversight of accurate, compliant, and timely processing of multi-state payroll, administration of firm-wide benefit programs, and ongoing process improvement. This leader will partner closely with HR, Finance, and Firm Leadership to support a high-quality employee experience while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the end-to-end semi-monthly, multi-state payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness, including employee status changes, wage and salary adjustments, bonuses, direct deposits, voluntary and involuntary deductions, garnishments, and other payroll transactions.
Oversee payroll tax processing and reporting and ensure the accuracy of applicable payroll forms and reports, including year-end W-2 processing and review.
Oversee payroll-related General Ledger reporting and perform regular payroll audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and appropriate internal controls.
Review non-exempt employee timesheets and monitor billable and non-billable overtime, as applicable.
Oversee benefits administration, including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life insurance, disability, 401(k), workers' compensation, and other firm-sponsored benefit programs.
Evaluate existing benefit programs, benchmark health and welfare programs against industry peers, and recommend plan design or program changes to support the Firm's benefit objectives and competitive position.
Serve as primary liaison with payroll and benefits vendors; negotiate benefit plan terms and conditions, as appropriate, and lead annual open enrollment and related employee communications.
Develop, review, and communicate employee benefit materials, including annual benefit guides, new-hire benefit presentations, and communications regarding new or modified benefit programs.
Audit payroll and benefits data regularly, including benefit-plan reconciliations, to maintain data integrity and compliance with applicable requirements.
Monitor changes in federal, state, and local payroll, benefits, employment, tax, and wage requirements and implement required adjustments. Maintain required federal and state employment-law posting requirements for locations in which the Firm operates.
Support and coordinate required payroll and benefits reporting, including year-end W-2 processing, ACA filings, EEO-1 reporting, benefit nondiscrimination reporting, prescription drug coverage reporting, 401(k) compliance testing, and audits. The existing Benefits Manager expressly owns the ACA, EEO-1, nondiscrimination, and prescription-drug reporting responsibilities.
Play an active role in the administration of the Firm's 401(k) and Thrift Savings Plan and coordinate payroll deductions and contributions for retirement and health savings programs.
Develop and monitor the annual employee benefits budget and provide payroll, benefits, and related data reports to Firm Management, Finance, Human Resources, and other departments as needed.
Coordinate with Human Resources on payroll and benefits matters related to onboarding, terminations, leaves of absence, disability, benefit deductions, employee status changes, and records retention.
Provide responsive support to employees regarding payroll questions, benefit options, and issue resolution, serving as a key resource for employees on payroll- and benefit-related matters while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Partner with HR and Finance leadership on projects related to system upgrades, process improvement, and firmwide initiatives, including identifying and recommending improvements to payroll and benefits procedures to increase accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Complete year-end payroll activities and assist with related HR and benefits year-end requirements.
Maintain regular in-office attendance and travel to other Firm offices as business needs require.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or associate degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
5+ years of progressively responsible payroll and benefits administration experience; law firm or other professional-services experience strongly preferred. T
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and experience managing payroll for employees across multiple jurisdictions.
Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP experience preferred) and benefits administration systems, with the ability to effectively manage system-driven payroll and benefit processes; advanced Excel skills required.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional accuracy, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Excellent time-management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and communicate effectively with personnel at all levels of the Firm.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and operate with integrity, professionalism, discretion, and strict confidentiality in handling sensitive payroll and employee information.
Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently while functioning effectively as part of a collaborative team.
CPP, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related certification a plus.

What We Offer

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
Opportunities for professional development and growth.
A collegial and supportive work environment where contributions are valued.
Hybrid work flexibility.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

At Norris McLaughlin, we cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their backgrounds, experiences, views, and strengths. Our differences in culture and beliefs enable us to be a better team.

The Firm does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or breastfeeding, sex, gender identity or expression, disability or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, or because of the liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States or the nationality of any individual or any other characteristic protected by law, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination, lay-off, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

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