The Payroll and Benefits Manager plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and the well-being of the Firm’s employees through oversight of payroll, benefits, and compliance. This role …
Are you a finance attorney looking for an opportunity to work on complex, high-profile transactions? Bernstein Shur is seeking a Senior Counsel (10+ years’ experience) or a Senior Associate (5+ years’ experience) to join…
Skills: Capital Markets Transactions, Securitization, Structured Finance, Secured Transactions, Drafting
Are you a finance attorney looking for an opportunity to work on complex, high-profile transactions? Bernstein Shur is seeking a mid-level associate (3-5+ years’ experience) to join its Business Law Practice Group, focus…
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Full-time
bachelor degree
Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Group life insurance, Disability insurance, Financial wellness program
Posted 13d ago
~40 hrs/week
Responsibilities
The Payroll and Benefits Manager oversees the firm's payroll, benefits administration, and compliance initiatives while partnering with leadership to support financial and operational goals. This role also supervises the Payroll and Benefits Specialist and manages relationships with external vendors, auditors, and consultants.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree and at least five years of direct payroll and benefits experience. Proficiency in payroll and HRIS platforms, specifically ADP and HiBob, along with strong analytical and leadership skills, is required.
Full job description
The Payroll and Benefits Manager plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and the well-being of the Firm’s employees through oversight of payroll, benefits, and compliance. This role is responsible for administering the Firm’s compensation and benefits programs, ensuring payroll tax compliance, and managing related reporting obligations. As a member of the Finance Department, the Payroll and Benefits Manager works in close partnership with the Director of HR and other Firm leaders to support employee benefit programs, leave administration, compensation processes, and compliance initiatives. The role also provides financial and operational support to the Director of Finance through reporting, process improvement initiatives, technology enhancements, and special projects that contribute to the Firm’s strategic goals. The Payroll and Benefits Manager is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and actively promotes innovation, efficiency, and professional growth within the Finance Department.
Bachelor’s degree required.
At least five years of direct payroll and benefits experience required.
Prior supervisory, team-lead, or people-management experience preferred.
Experience with payroll and HRIS platforms required; ADP and HiBob experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of payroll tax, wage and hour requirements, benefits administration, and retirement plan compliance.
Experience coordinating with external vendors, brokers, auditors, consultants, and counsel.
Strong Excel, reporting, and reconciliation skills, with the ability to analyze payroll, benefits, and financial data.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Strong research, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing team members.
Comfortable working with and presenting to Senior Leadership.
Office setting.
Computer-based work.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 15 lbs.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Reliable attendance in the office.
Payroll Administration
Collaborate with the Director of Finance, the COO, and the Director of HR to administer the Firm’s compensation program.
Directly supervise the Payroll and Benefits Specialist, including oversight of day-to-day work, timely and accurate payroll processing, coaching, development, and performance management.
Review payroll entries and changes for compliance and accuracy.
Maintain proficiency with ADP and HiBob payroll systems and coordinate with vendors, HR, and IT for service optimization.
Ensure compliance with wage and tax laws and support payroll-related audits, including proper documentation and reporting for compliance-related filings such as EEO reports, CMS disclosures, and 401(k) fee disclosures.
Prepares and reconciles year-end payroll data and tax filings, including W-2s.
Assist with preparation of the annual compensation and benefits budget and report on actual-to-budget variances.
Support salary review processes for operations personnel and address payroll inquiries.
Benefits Administration
Administer comprehensive employee benefit programs, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans.
Work with vendors and consultants to improve and update benefit offerings.
In coordination with HR, lead the annual benefits open enrollment process and related employee communications.
Assist with annual benefit plan renewals and negotiations.
Monitor legislation and trends in employee benefits to ensure ongoing compliance and competitiveness.
Collaborate with ERISA counsel and the 401(k) Plan Committee to manage compliance and education programs.
Ensure accuracy of 401(k) contributions and oversee audit preparation.
Coordinate COBRA, FMLA, STD/LTD, nondiscrimination compliance, and other leave-related benefit administration in partnership with HR, outside vendors, and internal stakeholders.
In coordination with HR, provide leave information and application forms, manage relationships with leave administration vendors, and coordinate payroll requirements for employees on leave.
Support new hires with payroll setup, benefits enrollment, and related onboarding documentation and systems.
Maintain payroll and benefits-related policies and procedures, including applicable content in the Firm’s Employee Handbook.
Finance Support & Reporting
Review and reconcile monthly compensation data in financial statements.
Support the Director of Finance, COO, and Director of HR with ad hoc reporting and decision-support data.
Identify and implement process improvements and workflow optimizations across payroll, benefits, and related financial operations.
Support financial systems upgrades or conversions in collaboration with internal teams and vendors.
Compliance
Ensure Firm compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for payroll and benefit plans, including DOL, IRS, and related requirements.
Support preparation and filing of Use Tax, 1099 forms, property tax reports, entity-level tax filings, and other Finance Department compliance items, as assigned.
Manage audit coordination and filings for 401(k), affiliated entities, and Firm benefit plans.
Ensure proper documentation and reporting for compliance-related filings, including EEO reports, CMS disclosures, and 401(k) fee disclosures.
Leadership & Culture
Foster a collaborative and accountable environment.
Serve as a member of the 401(k) Plan Committee.
Uphold a culture of integrity, responsiveness, and professionalism in all interactions.
Actively contribute to strategic planning and operational effectiveness of the Finance and HR Departments.
Promote a commitment to continuous improvement.
Other Duties
Promptly report any unusual or suspicious transactions or issues to Firm leadership.
Prepare special reports upon request.
Perform other responsibilities as required to support the Finance Department, HR Department, and Firm objectives.
New England-based law firm with 100+ award-winning attorneys & professionals practicing in more than 20 critical areas.
Industry
Law Practice
Company size
201-500 employees
Founded
1915
Headquarters
Portland, ME
LinkedIn followers
5,461
We are a New England-based law firm that advises clients across the U.S. and around the world. Our 100+ award-winning attorneys and professionals practice in more than 20 critical areas and a variety of industries, and we've been named to Maine’s Best Places to Work twelve times.
While we’re proud of our roots, accolades, and wide-ranging expertise, it’s not only our substance that sets us apart; it’s also our approach. We relish simplifying the complex. We believe that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean stuffy, and we’re not just accessible—we’re approachable. We fight hard for our clients, but calm persistence and collaboration are often our weapons of choice. Most importantly, we believe that being mindful of our clients’ bottom lines is ultimately better for our own. Over the past century, these values have become the essence of Bernstein Shur. And they produce better results—and better experiences—for our clients.
Disclaimer: https://www.bernsteinshur.com/who/terms-of-use/
Offices: 100 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04104, US · 670 North Commercial Street, Manchester, NH, US · 146 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME, US
New England-based law firm with 100+ award-winning attorneys & professionals practicing in more than 20 critical areas.
Industry
Law Practice
Company size
201-500 employees
Founded
1915
Headquarters
Portland, ME
LinkedIn followers
5,461
We are a New England-based law firm that advises clients across the U.S. and around the world. Our 100+ award-winning attorneys and professionals practice in more than 20 critical areas and a variety of industries, and we've been named to Maine’s Best Places to Work twelve times.
While we’re proud of our roots, accolades, and wide-ranging expertise, it’s not only our substance that sets us apart; it’s also our approach. We relish simplifying the complex. We believe that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean stuffy, and we’re not just accessible—we’re approachable. We fight hard for our clients, but calm persistence and collaboration are often our weapons of choice. Most importantly, we believe that being mindful of our clients’ bottom lines is ultimately better for our own. Over the past century, these values have become the essence of Bernstein Shur. And they produce better results—and better experiences—for our clients.
Disclaimer: https://www.bernsteinshur.com/who/terms-of-use/
Offices: 100 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04104, US · 670 North Commercial Street, Manchester, NH, US · 146 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME, US
