Payroll & Retirement Benefits Manager

Lead Payroll Operations and Retirement Benefits for a Growing Industrial Automation Leader

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.

Your Role and Impact:

Reporting directly to the CFO, you'll oversee end-to-end multi-state payroll processing and administration of our retirement programs including ESOP, 401(k), and 1165(e) plans. You'll maintain strong internal controls, drive process improvements, and partner closely with Finance and Human Resources on budgeting, reporting, and compliance. This role also includes direct supervision of a Payroll Specialist, giving you the opportunity to mentor and develop talent while building a best-in-class payroll and benefits function.

What You'll Lead and Deliver:

Payroll Operations & Compliance:
• 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

Benefits & Retirement Programs:
• 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

Accounting & Financial Integration:
• 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

Systems, Data Integrity & Reporting:
• 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

Internal Controls, Audit & Compliance:
• 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

Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
• 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

What You'll Bring:

Required Qualifications:
• 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

What Sets You Apart:

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.

How This Role Embodies Our Core Values:

Customer Focus: You'll prioritize the employee experience by ensuring accurate, timely payroll and benefits administration that exceeds expectations at every touchpoint.

Collaboration: You'll achieve superior results by partnering closely with Finance, HR, IT, and external partners to deliver seamless payroll and benefits operations.

Innovation: You'll drive continuous improvement by identifying automation opportunities and implementing best practices that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Integrity: You'll maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, compliance, and accuracy in handling sensitive employee compensation and benefits data.

Passion: You'll bring dedication and strong work ethic to building a best-in-class payroll and benefits function that supports our growing organization.

What We Offer:

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. Additional benefits include 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) - giving you an ownership stake in Control Associates' success.

Professional Development

Opportunities for continued professional growth, certification support, and direct partnership with senior Finance and HR leadership.

Ready to Lead Payroll and Benefits Excellence?

If you're an experienced payroll and benefits professional who wants to own and elevate a critical function for a growing industrial automation leader, we want to hear from you! Join Control Associates and apply your expertise to building a best-in-class payroll and benefits operation that supports our most important asset - our people.

Location: Allendale, NJ (on-site) | Reports to: CFO | Direct Reports: Payroll Specialist