Payroll & Benefits Manager - 7 Month Temporary Contract

Kiva Confections•California, CA

About The Position

The Temporary Payroll & Benefits Manager oversees and executes payroll operations for more than 400 employees across multiple states and entities, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing. The role also manages key components of Kiva’s benefits programs, supports employee inquiries, partners closely with HR and Finance, and drives process improvements. The manager safeguards the integrity of employee pay and benefits data, maintains strict confidentiality, and contributes to a consistent, positive employee experience. Applicants must reside in California. This is a temporary, seven-month leave-of-absence role. The work involves regular access to confidential payroll, benefits, and employee data, frequent collaboration by email, chat, and video conferencing across a dispersed workforce, and occasional travel for training or onsite support. Occasional onsite work in production facilities may involve exposure to food allergens. The position requires prolonged sitting and computer work, occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds, clear communication by phone, video, and in person, and regular use of hands to handle, type, or feel and to reach. Occasional standing, bending, or walking to file or retrieve materials may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or a minimum of 3–5+ years of payroll and benefits management experience.
Experience with benefits administration and HRIS/payroll systems.
Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage-and-hour requirements and garnishments.
Strong understanding of payroll and benefits workflows and best practices.
Strong analytical skills and ability to identify data inconsistencies.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
Strong proficiency in Excel and Google Suite.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
Ability to learn new systems and adapt to evolving processes.
Must reside in California.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a fast-paced, multi-state environment.
Experience supporting a workforce of approximately 300–500 employees.
UKG or large-scale HRIS experience.

Responsibilities

Process accurate and timely biweekly payroll for approximately 400 employees across multiple states and entities.
Calculate and enter overtime, sick and vacation pay, bonuses, retroactive adjustments, reimbursements, and commissions.
Manage timesheet approval workflows and partner with leaders to meet deadlines and comply with requirements.
Calculate and process off-cycle payments in compliance with California labor law.
Interpret payroll policies and advise employees and leaders; respond to payroll inquiries promptly, professionally, and empathetically.
Prepare payroll reports for HR, Finance, Accounting, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Oversee benefits eligibility, enrollments, changes, and terminations, keeping HRIS and carrier systems updated accurately and promptly.
Answer employee questions about medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401(k), and other benefits programs.
Lead and project-manage Open Enrollment, including communications, system updates, and audits.
Reconcile benefits invoices and resolve discrepancies with Finance.
Ensure benefits data is accurately reflected in payroll, including deductions, arrears, and retroactive corrections.
Partner with HR to maintain accurate, audit-ready HRIS data for job changes, wage updates, hires, and terminations.
Conduct regular and ad hoc audits to align HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems.
Support system enhancements, automation opportunities, and new integrations.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage-and-hour, and benefits regulations across multiple states.
Manage garnishment orders, wage verifications, and government inquiries.
Maintain payroll standard operating procedures and audit documentation, and support internal and external audits, including 401(k), workers’ compensation, and financial audits.
Oversee accurate tracking and pay alignment for leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, workers’ compensation, and ADA-related accommodations.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate pay and benefits continuation during leaves.
Work with HR, AP, Finance, and Accounting to align payroll data, general-ledger mapping, and financial reporting.
Provide payroll and benefits insights for budgeting, forecasting, and compliance initiatives.
Cross-train and provide backup for key People Operations workflows as needed.
Identify opportunities to streamline payroll and benefits processes and implement best practices for a growing, multi-state organization.
Participate in People Operations projects and support broader culture and employee-experience initiatives.