Manager, Payroll and Benefits

FAS•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is seeking a Manager, Payroll and Benefits to join their People & Culture team. This role is crucial for supporting employees and ensuring financial accuracy in payroll and benefits administration. The position combines technical expertise with a people-first approach, ensuring employees are paid correctly, benefits are administered smoothly, and HR policies align with organizational values and legal standards. The Manager will partner closely with Finance, People & Culture, and external vendors to manage systems, streamline processes, and enhance the employee experience. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is comfortable managing confidential information with integrity and precision. FAS believes in embracing a growth-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact.

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

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.).
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.