Payroll & Benefits Manager

Equis is a set of organizations (including Equis Research, Equis Institute, and EquisLabs) working to create a better understanding of Latinos, innovate new approaches to reach and engage them, and invest in the leadership and infrastructure for long-term change and increased engagement.

Since 2019, we have served as a hub for Latino research and innovation, leaning into the complexities of Latino voters in the United States, ensuring they get the sophistication of treatment and level of attention that matches their critical role in the electorate. Equis is also committed to developing Latino leaders across the progressive space, serving as a convener of organizations and individuals leading Hispanic-focused programs. The scope of our work is designed to engage Latinos in multiple arenas because we believe that this moment requires a complete rethinking of how we engage Latinos.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the People, Talent & Culture (PTC) Director, the Payroll & Benefits Manager plays a critical role in overseeing a significant function of the PTC department. The successful candidate is detail-oriented and will have prior experience administering payroll and benefits. The individual is seen as the internal authority on the ins and outs of the payroll system. The candidate possesses a strong understanding on the intersection of benefits and payroll.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PAYROLL

  • Manages and administers payroll, including appropriate withholdings, deductions and 401K contributions
  • Runs and manages semi-monthly, multi-state payroll including all special pay runs
  • Make changes in payroll based on new hires, terminations, and salary changes, including but not limited to division/department assignment, benefit deductions, and all other deductions.
  • Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
  • Administer the tracking and reporting of vacation, sick time and all other leaves to provide accurate reporting of accrued/used balances on employee checks each pay period
  • May assist with the review and process of automated timesheets on the Gusto system each pay period, and communicate with managers and/or PTC regarding questions, etc.
  • Set up new states in payroll as needed as Equis continues to hire and scale.
  • Issues and monitors wage notices to staff.
  • Prepare Federal and State taxes after each pay period; review W-2’s at year-end; prepare audit work papers for year-end payroll audit; prepare and maintain journal entries each pay period to post withholding and salary expenses to General Ledger.
  • Identifies, troubleshoots and resolves payroll issues. Coordinates with all relevant contacts and owns communications towards resolution.
  • Provide guidance and assistance to employees regarding payroll questions.
  • Stays up to date and maintains PTC compliance, including federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.

BENEFITS

  • Administers benefits and relevant updates to payroll.
  • Administer 401K Plan, including payment of 401K contributions, employer matching, and employer core amounts.
  • Track, administer, and manage short-term disability, long-term disability, and leaves of absences, complying with local and federal regulations as required.
  • Monitors benefit best practices, trends and offerings that support Equis’ mission and values and employees’ wellbeing and happiness.
  • Manage benefits vendors, programs and employee communications for our benefits plans, including Open Enrollment, New Hire Orientation, virtual training and more.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5+ years of prior multi-state payroll and benefits experience.
  • Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, quality control, and payroll taxes.
  • Stays up to date with current and future federal and state laws and regulations related to payroll and benefits.
  • Proficiency in payroll systems, HRIS and Google Workspace tools.
  • Exceptional detail orientation and organizational skills.
  • Acts with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong project management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize tasks effectively.
  • High degree of adaptability and ability to navigate within a fast paced, evolving environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
  • Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS)
  • Prior experience at a start-up and/or at a fast growing organization
  • Prior Transamerica and/or Gusto experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • The ability to communicate with colleagues, partners, and clients via phone, video call, and email

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Equis is a national remote office environment with team members located across all continental U.S. time zones. Candidates should be prepared to either work from home or a location of their choosing that is located within the continental United States. Equis has implemented a pro vaccination policy, subject to exemptions. Candidates must be willing to follow the established policy to prevent and limit the exposure of COVID-19.

This position requires the ability to work core hours Monday through Friday in your local time. This position will require occasional nights and weekend work and some in-person attendance for all-staff or department level events, approximately 2 per year, which require overnight travel.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a fully remote (USA only), full-time position, Exempt with occasional domestic travel and a competitive annual salary range of $90,000-$115,000. This salary range represents a good faith estimate of what Equis may pay for this position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as budget availability and commensurate with the selected candidates’ experience. This position is currently funded through 2025.

Our generous Benefits Package includes 100% Medical, Dental, Vision at no premium for employees, Company Paid Life Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account with employer contribution, Unlimited PTO, generous paid holidays, 4% Employer Match 401(k), Annual Professional Development Stipend, Work-from-home Stipend, Paid Parental Leave, Short-term disability, Long-term disability, wellness stipend and Emergency Relief Fund. Equis observes office-wide holiday closures in accordance with the federal government alongside additional summer and winter breaks. APPLY HERE