Payroll & Retirement Benefits Manager

Control Associates•Allendale, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Control Associates is seeking an experienced Payroll & Retirement Benefits Manager to own and lead our payroll operations and retirement benefits administration. This is a high-impact role that sits at the intersection of Finance, HR, and Compliance - ensuring our employees are paid accurately, benefits are administered effectively, and our organization remains audit-ready as we continue to scale and grow. About Control Associates: For over 90 years, Control Associates has been at the forefront of industrial process automation as an Emerson partner serving pharmaceutical, life sciences, chemical processing, and other critical industries across the New York tri-state area. As our organization continues to grow and mature, we're investing in experienced finance and HR operations leadership to support our expanding workforce and increasingly complex compliance requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field
5-7+ years of payroll and benefits experience including multi-state payroll environments
Strong working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and benefits laws (ERISA, ACA, COBRA)
Experience with payroll and HRIS systems (UKG, ADP, IFS, or similar platforms) UKG experience strongly preferred.
Advanced Excel skills (data reconciliation, pivot tables, audit schedules, and reporting)
Demonstrated experience supporting payroll and/or benefits audits
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred
Experience administering retirement plans (ESOP, 401(k), or similar)
Experience in multi-entity or complex organizational structures

Nice To Haves

You're a detail-oriented payroll and benefits professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills.
You thrive in environments where accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement are paramount.
You can manage complex retirement programs while simultaneously driving process efficiencies and developing your team.
You're equally comfortable presenting financial analysis to the CFO and resolving complex payroll inquiries for employees.

Responsibilities

Oversee accurate and timely multi-state payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and contract employees
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations (FLSA, wage laws, tax requirements)
Monitor and lead implementation of legislative tax changes affecting payroll
Manage payroll tax filings, W-2 processing, and quarterly/year-end reconciliations
Establish and monitor payroll accuracy and timeliness KPIs
Maintain comprehensive payroll documentation to ensure audit readiness
Manage vehicle program compliance including Fixed & Variable Rate Program adjustments and annual tax compliance
Own and ensure compliance with all regulatory and administrative requirements for ESOP, 401(k), and 1165(e) retirement plans
Coordinate with HR on health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA
Prepare annual retirement census data and support actuarial and plan reporting requirements
Support preparation and review of Form 5500 filings
Review and reconcile benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions
Prepare and review payroll-related journal entries for bi-weekly, bonus, and special payrolls
Reconcile payroll and benefits-related balance sheet accounts
Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
Provide headcount and compensation reporting including variance analysis vs. budget and forecast
Partner with Finance on accruals, analytics, and cost management
Manage corporate credit card program and review travel and expense submissions
Maintain data integrity across HRIS (IFS), payroll (UKG), and timekeeping systems
Ensure accurate integration between payroll, benefits platforms, and third-party carriers
Partner with HR and IT on system enhancements, implementations, and automation initiatives
Identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce manual workflows
Design and maintain a strong internal controls framework for payroll and benefits processes
Partner with Business Assurance on control design, testing, and remediation
Lead remediation efforts for audit findings related to payroll or benefits
Ensure all payroll and benefits transactions are audit-ready with proper documentation
Supervise, coach, and develop Payroll Specialist through ongoing feedback and annual reviews
Drive process standardization, documentation, and best practices across payroll and benefits functions
Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and strong internal controls

Benefits

Competitive Compensation & Growth Potential
Base Salary Range - $125K - $145K plus performance bonus potential
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
Multiple medical plan options plus vision and dental coverage for you and your dependents.
Flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, commuter tax benefits, and company-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and sick leave.
Secure Your Future
401(k) plan with company matching contributions, plus our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Professional Development Opportunities for continued professional growth, certification support, and direct partnership with senior Finance and HR leadership.