Payroll & Benefits Administrator

About The Role You’ll join SonderMind’s People Operations team as a Payroll and Benefits Administrator, taking ownership of end-to-end payroll processing for a growing workforce, with a particular focus on our California-based employees, where complex wage-and-hour regulations demand precision and up-to-date knowledge. Working primarily in UKG, you’ll ensure every team member is paid accurately and on time, and benefits administration tasks are handled swiftly and accurately. If you’re building your payroll career and want hands‑on experience within a fast-moving, people‑first environment, this role gives you both the depth and the visibility to grow. What You’ll Do Process semi‑monthly payroll for all employees using UKG Pro and Workforce Management payroll and time‑keeping tools, ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance with relevant state wage and hour laws. Audit payroll data for errors and discrepancies before each pay cycle closes. Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues promptly. Accurately issue related payroll items, including tax, garnishments, and system configurations. Support managers with payroll‑related questions, including time‑card review, approval workflows, and resolving UKG time‑keeping issues. Support the administration of employee benefits programs, including enrollments, life events, terminations, and carrier file feeds, and serve as a first point of contact for employee benefits questions. Maintain accurate employee records in UKG, including pay rates, deductions, and tax withholdings. Support year‑end processes, including W‑2 preparation, commission letter administration and distribution, and reconciliation. Support and administration of our 401k plan, including analysis and reconciliation of regular 401(k) reporting and compliance. Handle other ad‑hoc responsibilities from time to time and based on business needs. Success in this Role 30 days: Completed UKG system onboarding and can independently process a full payroll cycle with supervision, demonstrating baseline accuracy on all employee types. 60 days: Processes payroll with minimal oversight, correctly applying California‑specific rules (final pay, meal/rest penalties, SDI) and flags exceptions proactively before they become errors. 90 days: Operates as a fully independent contributor, owning end‑to‑end payroll processing, reconciling discrepancies without escalation, and maintaining compliance across all state requirements. 1 year: Has built a track record of on‑time, accurate payroll with zero compliance misses, contributes to process improvements in UKG, and serves as a reliable resource for CA payroll questions across the People Ops team. Who You Are 1‑2 years of hands‑on payroll processing experience, including full‑cycle payroll runs. Familiarity with UKG (UltiPro or UKG Pro) and Kronos or comparable HRIS/payroll platforms. Working knowledge of California payroll regulations, including overtime rules, meal and rest break premiums, and final pay requirements. Understanding of federal payroll compliance requirements (FLSA, tax, W‑2 reporting). Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for payroll audits and data reconciliation. Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to identify and correct payroll discrepancies. Excellent critical thinking and problem‑solving skills – you enjoy digging in and figuring things out. Associate degree or higher in Accounting, Business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. Experience supporting multi‑state payroll processing (preferred). Our Benefits The salary range for this role is between \$68,000 – \$75,000 per year. Our benefits include: Flexible hybrid work. Generous PTO policy with a minimum of three weeks off per year. Free therapy coverage benefits (must be enrolled in our medical plans to participate). Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with plans to meet every need, including HSA (company contribution \$1,100) and FSA options. Employer‑paid short‑term, long‑term disability, life & AD&D to cover unexpected events, including salary coverage for up to seven weeks of short‑term disability leave (after the required waiting period). Eight weeks of paid parental leave (if the parent also qualifies for STD, this benefit is in addition). 401(k) retirement plan with 100% matching, immediately vesting on up to 4% of base salary. Annual travel to Denver to attend the annual Shift gathering. Fourteen company holidays. Company shutdown between Christmas and New Years. Supplemental life insurance, pet insurance coverage, commuter benefits, and more. Application Deadline This position will be an ongoing recruitment process and will be open until filled. Equal Opportunity SonderMind does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religion, veteran and military status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including genetic information or characteristics), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr