Manager, Payroll and Benefits (Hybrid)

FAS•Washington, DC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is seeking a Benefits & Payroll Manager to join their People & Culture team. This role is crucial for supporting employees and ensuring financial accuracy. The position involves handling benefits administration and reconciliation, along with various administrative and payroll tasks to maintain smooth operations. It plays a vital role in ensuring employees are paid correctly, benefits are administered smoothly, and HR policies align with organizational values and legal standards. This role collaborates with Finance, People & Culture, and external vendors to manage systems, streamline processes, and enhance the employee experience. It is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is comfortable managing confidential information with integrity and precision. The Benefits & Payroll Manager Specialist will report to the Director of People & Culture.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field.
5+ years of experience in benefits and payroll administration
Strong understanding of employee benefits programs and payroll processes
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels across the organization
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities
Must reside in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with HRIS software is highly desirable
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or similar certification
Experience working in a non-profit organization

Responsibilities

Administer and support employee benefits programs (health, retirement, leave, and related plans), including open enrollment and life event changes
Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions related to payroll and benefits, ensuring a high-quality employee experience
Own and process semi-monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Maintain payroll records, including deductions, tax withholdings, and adjustments (e.g., retro pay, off-cycle payments)
Reconcile payroll and benefits accounts, including invoices, deductions, and vendor reporting; partner with Finance on audits and reporting
Manage relationships with payroll and benefits vendors to ensure accurate processing, issue resolution, and timely tax filings
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (FLSA, IRS, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, etc.)
Contribute to process improvements and support broader HR operations and employee lifecycle activities as needed
Support onboarding and offboarding processes related to payroll, benefits, and HR systems
Assist with HRIS data management and ensure data accuracy across systems
Provide general HR support across the employee lifecycle, including responding to employee inquiries and supporting People & Culture initiatives
Contribute to process improvements and documentation to enhance efficiency and employee experience
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational needs and special projects
Ensure all payroll and benefits programs comply with applicable laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.)
Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records, including tax withholdings and deductions
Support audits and reporting requirements in partnership with Finance and external partners
Prepare and file required reports such as ACA filings, 403(b) or 401(k) contributions, and benefits audits.
Assist in maintaining and updating payroll and benefits-related policies and procedures