Payroll and Benefits Manager

Dalberg Advisors•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The US Payroll & Benefits Manager is a key member of the US Finance and Operations team, reporting to the Americas Talent Director. This individual owns end-to-end payroll processing and benefits administration for approximately 100 US-based employees and provides critical operational support as Dalberg navigates its global restructuring. The role requires a detail-oriented, proactive professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy in a lean, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
5+ years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration, with at least 2 years in a management or lead capacity.
Demonstrated expertise with a major payroll platform (ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, Rippling, or equivalent)
Strong working knowledge of US federal and state payroll tax laws and benefits compliance requirements
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex compensation and benefits concepts to non-specialists
Experience in a professional services, consulting, or mission-driven organization
Familiarity with multi-currency payroll or international employment structures
Experience supporting a corporate restructuring, M&A integration, or ownership transition
Proficiency with HRIS platforms (Workday, BambooHR, or equivalent) and advanced Excel skills

Nice To Haves

CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) designation preferred

Responsibilities

Own and manage full-cycle, semi-monthly payroll for ~100 US employees using Rippling and Remote.com platforms
Ensure payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all relevant federal, state, and local jurisdictions, including multi-state obligations
Process salary changes, bonuses, terminations, garnishments, and other payroll adjustments in a timely manner
Maintain payroll records in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and internal audit standards
Serve as primary liaison with payroll vendors and external tax advisors on payroll tax filings, W-2s, and year-end reporting
Manage day-to-day administration of all US employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, commuter benefits, and 401(k)
Lead annual open enrollment process, including vendor coordination, employee communications, and system configuration
Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries; resolve claims issues and escalate as needed
Oversee COBRA administration and ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations
Evaluate benefits offerings on a periodic basis and provide recommendations to leadership on plan design and cost management
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment and payroll regulations, including DOL, IRS, and EEOC requirements
Prepare and submit required regulatory filings, including Form 5500, ACA reporting, EEO-1, and workers' compensation
Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and HR data integrity
Maintain updated knowledge of legislative and regulatory changes affecting compensation and benefits
Maintain and optimize HRIS/payroll systems; ensure data integrity across platforms
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll and benefits operations, particularly in the context of Dalberg's evolving global corporate structure
Support the integration of US payroll and benefits operations into global HoldCo reporting structures as needed
Deliver a high-quality employee experience by responding to payroll and benefits inquiries promptly and with clarity
Develop and maintain employee-facing communications and resources on compensation and benefits programs
Partner with the Director of Finance and Operations and HR function on onboarding, offboarding, and total rewards strategy