Payroll & Benefits Manager

Location: Greater New York City Area
-Bergen County, NJ

Employment Type: Full-Time (Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite)

Our Client is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee accurate, compliant, and timely multi-state payroll processing while managing firmwide benefits programs. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, and leadership to ensure regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and a seamless employee experience across the organization.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring payroll integrity, regulatory compliance, and benefits administration excellence within a multi-state professional services environment. The Payroll & Benefits Manager serves as a trusted internal partner driving process improvement, risk mitigation, and employee satisfaction.

• Payroll Operations & Compliance
  • Manage end-to-end multi-state payroll processing with accuracy and timeliness.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations.
  • Conduct payroll audits to maintain data integrity and reduce risk exposure.
  • Support year-end reporting, including W-2 processing and regulatory filings.
• Benefits Administration
  • Oversee firmwide benefits programs including health, retirement, leave, and ancillary offerings.
  • Serve as primary liaison with payroll and benefits vendors.
  • Lead open enrollment processes and employee communications.
  • Support compliance-related reporting, including retirement plan testing and regulatory documentation.
• Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with HR and Finance leadership on system enhancements and reporting improvements.
  • Maintain and optimize payroll/HRIS systems.
  • Provide responsive employee support related to payroll and benefits inquiries.
  • Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives.

• 5+ years of payroll and benefits administration experience.
• Experience with in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and cross-jurisdiction compliance.
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP experience preferred).
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Stable professional background required (no heavy contract/freelance history).

• CPP, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related certification.
• Experience managing payroll and benefits within multi-office organizations.

• Hybrid work schedule (3 days onsite)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Collaborative and service-oriented firm culture
• Opportunity to lead payroll and benefits strategy within a respected regional professional services organization

This role is based in Bergen County, NJ and is not easily accessible via public transportation
. Candidates must be able to commute reliably.