Payroll & Benefits Manager - Temporary

Kiva Confections (Lost Farm/Camino) () is a world-class cannabis-infused edibles company in California, the largest cannabis market in the world. Kiva's line includes Kiva Chocolate Bars, Terra Bites, Petra Mints, Lost Farms Gummies & Chews, and Camino Gummies. Our products are crafted from premium ingredients and thoughtfully combined with California cannabis. Since our beginning in 2010, our goal has been to create confections that redefine what a cannabis confection ought to be.

By applying art and science, we ensure a deliciously consistent experience.

We have high-reaching growth plans as the legal market and consumer adoption expand. Key growth initiatives include ambitious platform innovation, outstanding marketing, geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and more. We are resourced for this spectacular growth and looking for great people to help take us to the next level.

The Temporary Payroll & Benefits Manager oversees and executes all payroll operations for 400+ employees across multiple states and entities, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing. This role also manages key components of Kiva's benefits programs, supports employee inquiries, partners closely with HR and Finance, and drives ongoing process improvements. The Payroll & Benefits Manager ensures the integrity of employee pay and benefits data, maintains strict confidentiality, and plays a central role in delivering a consistent, positive employee experience.

MUST reside in California!!

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and confidentiality are essential.
• You are highly detail-oriented and can spot discrepancies quickly.
• You enjoy mastering complex systems and improving processes to make them more efficient.
• You are proactive and take initiative in solving problems before they elevate.
• You communicate with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
• You are energized by supporting employees and partnering with cross-functional teams.
• You value integrity and understand the importance of handling sensitive information with care.
• You’re known for your follow-through, reliability, and strong organizational habits.

• - Process accurate and timely biweekly payroll for approx. 400 employees across multiple states and entities.
• - Ensure correct calculation and entry of all pay types, including overtime, sick/vacation pay, bonuses, retro adjustments, reimbursements, and commissions.
• - Manage the time-sheet approval workflow and partner with leaders to ensure compliance with deadlines.
• - Calculate and process off-cycle payments compliant with California labor law.
• - Serve as the internal payroll expert, interpreting payroll policies and guiding employees and leaders.
• - Respond to payroll-related employee inquiries with urgency, professionalism, and empathy.
• - Prepare payroll-related reports for HR, Finance, Accounting, and other internal and external stakeholders.

• - Oversee benefits eligibility, enrollments, changes, and terminations, ensuring timely and accurate updates across HRIS and carrier systems.
• - Support employee questions regarding medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401(k), and other benefits programs.
• - Be the HR lead and project manager during Open Enrollment, including communication planning, system updates, and auditing.
• - Reconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies in partnership with Finance.
• - Ensure benefits data accuracy in payroll, including deductions, arrears, and retroactive corrections.

• - Partner with HR to maintain clean, audit-ready HRIS data (job changes, wage updates, new hires,…