Payroll and Benefits Manager

Sierra Central Credit Union•Yuba City, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll and Benefits Manager owns the organization’s payroll and benefits functions, including accurate and compliant payroll processing, benefits administration, plan evaluation, policy and procedure governance, and implementation of approved changes. The role serves as the organization’s subject-matter expert on regular rate of pay and partners with the HR Team to support people, engagement, and culture initiatives. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, highly organized, and trusted to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity. The position is on-site at the company’s Corporate Headquarters in Yuba City, California. The anticipated annual salary range at the time of hire is $92,500 to $110,000, depending on experience. Employees may also be eligible for a discretionary annual merit-based salary adjustment based on individual performance and company results.

Requirements

At least four years of progressively responsible payroll and benefits experience, including direct ownership of payroll operations, benefits administration, plan evaluation, compliance, and implementation of process or plan changes.
One to two years of leave administration experience.
Serve as the organization’s subject-matter expert on regular rate of pay, including treatment of bonuses, commissions, differentials, and other compensation in overtime and related pay calculations.
Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws, ERISA, and benefits compliance.
Strong verbal communication skills to explain the organization’s culture, policies, and practices.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate legal, regulatory, and operational requirements into clear policies, procedures, employee communications, and decision-ready recommendations.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess situations and develop actionable solutions.
Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
Familiarity with HRIS software and functionalities, especially Paylocity.
Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
Continuous sitting or standing for seven hours per day; intermittent bending and walking for one hour per day; ability to perform light work lifting, carrying, and/or pushing objects up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Psychology, Business Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
PHR or SHRM-CP certification.

Responsibilities

Own and execute strategies to improve the accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and timeliness of payroll and benefits administration.
Develop, implement, review, and maintain clear, compliant, and operationally effective payroll and benefits policies, procedures, controls, and employee guidance.
Oversee end-to-end payroll operations, including regular payroll cycles, audits, reconciliations, issue resolution, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Maintain accurate employee payroll records and support onboarding and offboarding payroll tasks.
Respond to employee inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues.
Prepare and distribute year-end tax documents, including W-2s and 1099s.
Manage state registrations and ensure compliance with payroll tax requirements.
Administer and evaluate employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans; analyze performance, cost, employee needs, and market competitiveness; and recommend changes to leadership.
Lead open enrollment and implementation of approved benefit plan changes, coordinating timelines, system configuration, employee communications, testing, vendor and broker activities, and post-implementation review.
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
Provide benefits education and support to employees during onboarding and life events.
Administer leaves of absence, ADA accommodation requests, disability requests, workers’ compensation claims, and related processes; support the VP, HR with 401(k) administration.
Liaise with Accounting to audit billing calculations and invoices for accuracy.
Create, schedule, and maintain leadership reports using Paylocity.
Develop user guides and documentation for payroll and benefits processes, including cross-training and backup documentation.
Protect and manage sensitive client and employee information in accordance with PII standards.
Help lead the HR Team in implementing practical and cost-effective solutions.
Support internal and external audits as needed.
Direct and evaluate the work activities of Payroll and Benefit Specialists.
Assist the Manager, HR Operations as needed.
Assist with recruiting as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Voluntary hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness policies.
Company-paid HRA when enrolled in certain health plans.
Company-paid basic term life insurance coverage for full-time employees, equal to twice annual base salary up to $500,000; $25,000 coverage for part-time employees.
Company-paid long-term disability insurance for full-time employees.
Company-paid Teladoc telehealth membership.
Company-paid Employee Assistance Program.
401(k) retirement plan with an employer-funded safe harbor contribution of 3% of eligible earnings and a discretionary employer match on employee contributions.
Flexible Spending Accounts, including Medical FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and Limited Purpose FSA.
Vacation accruals based on employment status and tenure.
Twelve sick days accrued annually for full-time employees; part-time employees accrue one hour for every 30 hours worked.
Eleven paid holidays, eligible after 90 days of employment.
Reimbursement of necessary work-related travel expenses in accordance with company policy.
Employees are eligible for a discretionary yearly merit-based salary adjustment based on individual performance and company results.