Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Administrator / Payroll Manager Job Description The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll, employee benefits, HRIS data, and employee records. This role serves as the primary point of contact for payroll and benefits-related inquiries, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as internal policies, while delivering exceptional support to employees and leadership. Working closely with Human Resources leadership, this position supports key HR initiatives and helps maintain efficient payroll, benefits, and employee record management processes. The role offers strong long-term incentives, including generous vacation, annual salary increases, comprehensive benefits, and significant retirement contributions when converted to a permanent position. Responsibilities Process biweekly payroll accurately and on schedule for all employees. Review, audit, and validate employee timecards, attendance records, and leave accruals to ensure accuracy and compliance. Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations in all payroll activities. Manage payroll-related deductions, including benefits, garnishments, tax levies, and other required withholdings. Prepare manual payroll checks as needed to resolve exceptions or urgent payment situations. Maintain complete and accurate payroll records, general ledger accounts, and supporting documentation. Reconcile payroll reports and prepare payroll-related financial data for accounting and reporting purposes. Coordinate quarterly and year-end payroll filings, tax reporting, and payroll adjustments. Generate payroll reports for management, budgeting, audit, and compliance purposes. Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefit plans. Manage benefits enrollments, changes, terminations, and annual open enrollment activities. Conduct new hire benefits orientations and employee benefits education sessions to ensure understanding of available plans. Coordinate and administer FMLA, COBRA, leaves of absence, short-term disability, and long-term disability claims. Ensure compliance with ACA requirements, 1095 reporting, and other applicable benefits regulations. Review and reconcile benefit vendor invoices and process benefit-related payments accurately and on time. Serve as the primary resource for employee benefit questions and claims inquiries, providing clear and timely guidance. Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee personnel files, payroll records, and HRIS data. Process new hire documentation, including I-9 verification and E-Verify requirements, ensuring full compliance. Ensure employee records remain current, complete, and compliant with applicable laws and company policies. Assist with internal and external payroll and benefits audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries. Develop, update, and maintain payroll and benefits policies, procedures, and training materials. Create employee communications related to payroll, benefits, and HR programs to promote understanding and engagement. Safeguard confidential employee and company information and handle sensitive data with discretion. Serve as the first point of contact for employee payroll and benefits questions, providing high-quality customer service. Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and benefit issues in a timely and professional manner. Essential Skills Minimum of 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience with a strong focus on payroll and benefits administration. Proven experience processing biweekly payroll, including time and attendance review, deductions, and reconciliations. Hands-on experience with benefits administration, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs. Solid understanding of wage and hour laws and payroll tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Experience managing garnishments, tax levies, unemployment claims, and other payroll-related compliance requirements. Demonstrated ability to administer FMLA, COBRA, leaves of absence, and disability claims. Experience maintaining accurate employee personnel files, payroll records, and HRIS data. Knowledge of I-9 verification and E-Verify processes and requirements. Ability to review and reconcile benefit vendor invoices and process benefit-related payments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, for reporting and communication. Strong understanding of HR policies, HR administration, and employment law as it relates to payroll and benefits. Excellent administrative support skills with high attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to create clear employee communications and conduct benefit meetings and orientations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve payroll discrepancies and benefit issues. High level of discretion and integrity in handling confidential employee and company information. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited institution. Experience with ADP payroll and HRIS systems is a plus. Union environment experience is a plus. Experience in recruiting and talent management is beneficial. Familiarity with pension and retirement benefit administration is advantageous. Knowledge of compensation practices and structures is helpful. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support employee relations and engagement initiatives. Ability to work collaboratively with HR leadership and other departments to support organizational goals. Work Environment This is an on-site position working Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role is based in a professional office environment, utilizing HRIS systems, payroll platforms such as ADP, and standard office technologies and software including Microsoft Office. The position involves regular interaction with employees and HR leadership, as well as coordination with benefit vendors and external partners. When converted to a permanent role, the position offers attractive benefits, including four weeks of vacation accrued over time, an annual 5% salary increase, employer-paid benefits for single coverage with very low contributions for family coverage, and an employer contribution of approximately 20% of base pay into retirement plans. The organization does not withhold social security taxes, resulting in a distinctive compensation structure. The work setting emphasizes professionalism, accuracy, confidentiality, and collaborative support of HR and organizational initiatives. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Jacksonville, FL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $75000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. health, dental, vision, all the holidays Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Jacksonville,FL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr