Payroll & Benefits Manager

About the role

The role of the Payroll & Benefits Manager is to manage activities relating to the payroll and benefits for our North America Region. It also has oversight of the compliance for our 401(k) plan and works closely with the Regional People & Culture (P&C) Leader to support the studios and ERA leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

• Prepare bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll runs accurately & timely for review and sign-off by the Regional Finance Leader and processing by ADP.
• Prepare the reports to support the payment requests for all payroll elements including; taxes, deductions, etc.
• Work closely with the Studio Accountants to update the hourly paid employers’ time and ensure accurate calculation.
• Oversee all changes of statuses including; pay rate increases, leave of absence, new starters, termination, etc.
• Upload vacation and sick balances from the HR leave tracking system and ensure accruals are correct.
• Main point of contact for employee inquiries regarding payroll issues or concerns.
• Process and pay shareholder bonuses as advised by Group Services.
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal wage laws as well as Woods Bagot’s payroll and benefits policies & procedures.
• Identify and implement any process improvements.
• Post monthly payroll journals.
• Process employee expense reimbursements through payroll.
• 401(k) plan management – work with P&C, ADP, the Plan Administrator and Auditor to lead and ensure the accounting, payments, record keeping and administration associated with the 401(k) plan is accurate and up to date.

Benefit Administration

Manage and administer the benefits program NA including:

• Annual benefits open enrollment process in coordination with Woods Bagot’s Benefits Broker, ADP, and Regional P&C Manager.
• Effective communication of benefits and wellness programs during onboarding and an ongoing basis to achieve employee awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the programs offered.
• Coordinate employee leave in accordance with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations.
• Review, reconcile and submit monthly benefit invoices for payment.
• Produce other reports as required by Finance or P&C.
• Ensure all corporate registrations and filings are up to date.
• Provide support to the regional finance team as advised by the Regional Finance Leader.

About you

As the successful candidate you will have experience working with a collaborative, creative and resourceful team.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• 3-5+ years of experience as a Payroll and Benefits Administrator or a similar role.
• At least 3 years of experience working with ADP Payroll.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of payroll- and benefits-related laws and requirements, including but not limited to ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA/HITCH, ACA, FMLA FLSA, Internal Revenue Code Section 125, and payroll tax laws are required.
• Experience administering and coordinating state and federal leave in California and New York.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office suite, specifically Microsoft Excel.
• Thorough knowledge of payroll and state/federal tax laws.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Be proactive, collaborative and have problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail with rigorous follow up.

How to apply

Please send your CV and covering letter/email through our Payroll Benefits Manager LinkedIn job post. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies.

Mandatory Requirement

It is an essential requirement that applicants must have the legal right to work in the US when applying for this position.

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where the difference is celebrated, valued, and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation of creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realize the potential of our people, clients, and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of architects and designers, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.

We run a flexible working environment to ensure a strong work/life balance, including options for partial work-from-home and time-shifting your hours.