Payroll and Benefits Manager

About the role

Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to provide interim support during a team transition, with the possibly to convert to a permanent position. This contract role will focus on managing salaried payroll and benefits administration for a manufacturing organization. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of payroll rules and compliance, employee benefits administration, HRIS systems, and the ability to collaborate closely with the accounting team. This 3-month contract role will be hybrid onsite (3 days a week) in the Goldsboro, NC area.

Responsibilities

• Manage salaried payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain compliance with payroll legislation, tax requirements, and internal guidelines by reviewing processes and resolving issues proactively.
• Oversee day-to-day benefits administration and act as a knowledgeable point of contact for employee questions related to coverage and enrollment.
• Refresh and enhance benefits communication materials so employees receive clear, up-to-date information about available programs.
• Examine benefit deductions for accuracy, investigate inconsistencies, and coordinate corrections when needed.
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll and HRIS platforms, with emphasis on cloud-based systems such as Paylocity, Paycom, or SuccessFactors.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to support reconciliations, improve system usage, and deliver payroll-related reporting.
• Contribute to operational improvements and provide hands-on support to maintain continuity during departmental changes.

Requirements

• At least 3+ years of experience in payroll and benefits administration
• Strong experience processing salaried payroll
• Knowledge of payroll rules, compliance requirements, tax withholdings, and wage regulations
• Experience with employee benefits administration and benefits-related communications
• Background in auditing payroll or benefits deductions
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based HRIS system. Paylocity preferred; others such as Paycom, SuccessFactors, UKG etc. also acceptable
• Ability to work cross-functionally with HR and accounting teams
• Strong systems knowledge and comfort working in cloud-based HRIS/payroll platforms
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and communication skills

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan