Payroll and Benefits Manager

We are a global engagement marketing agency that creates human-centric touchpoints that unleash the power of people to deliver innovation and growth.

Firm believers in the power of building community since 1987, we are helping brands, associations and not-for-profit organisations solve their key people challenges through our core expertise: Live & virtual events, Strategic & digital communications and Consulting & community solutions.

We are an independently owned agency, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a global presence of 60 offices in 31 countries.

Job Objective: The Payroll and Benefits Manager administers payroll and benefits programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal policies. This role handles full-cycle payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave management, providing support and guidance to employees and managers while maintaining data integrity.

COMPENSATION: $90,000-100,000 annually, based on relevant experience and skills.

Main Responsibilities: 

Benefits Administration: 

• Administer and manage employee benefit programs (health, dental, vision, retirement plans, etc.), ensuring compliance with data protection, procedures, documentation, and regulations such as ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.


• Assist employees and process benefit enrollments, changes, inquiries, and terminations, maintaining accurate records and documentation, and providing exceptional customer service.


• Conduct regular benefits audits, develop educational materials, and support open enrollment.


• Assist employees with benefits inquiries and claims issues and manage COBRA processes.


• Oversee the administrative aspects of leave management, including updating tracking systems, generating reports on leave usage and balances, and providing guidance to talents and managers.


• Develop and implement benefit communications to assist employees with benefit programs and policies, conduct training workshops, and work with brokers and vendors to resolve issues.


• Assist in the development and implementation of new benefits programs and initiatives.

Payroll, Finance Processes & Compliance: 

• Develop and maintain payroll processes, procedures, and documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance and internal controls. Oversee full-cycle payroll processing, including timecard review, multi-state payroll, PTO, timekeeping system updates and tracking, 401k remittance, and maintaining payroll reports.


• Ensure accurate and timely preparation, documentation, processing, distribution, and reconciliation of bi-weekly payrolls for corporate and client employees.


• Oversee onboarding, creating employee profiles, and training new hires on payroll and benefits.


• Maintain and support the HRIS system, ensuring data integrity and security.


• Serve as HR Technology expert, partnering with IT and business stakeholders for system integrations and security.


• Develop controls to ensure data accuracy and drive a culture of accountability.


• Compile and report employee data, including payroll, tax deductions, and compliance reports (EEOC, Vets 100, EEO1).


• Manage payroll disbursements, including benefits, taxes, 401k, and other compensation adjustments.


• Resolve payroll issues, perform wage calculations, and manage garnishments and withholdings.


• Ensure payroll tax compliance and timely, accurate tax submissions and payments, complying with federal, state, and local laws. This includes state registrations, maintenance, and timely responses to notices.


• Assist with internal and external payroll tax, accounting, and total rewards audits.


• Coordinate 401k plan administration, including compliance testing and employee communications.


• Update and maintain the workforce planning system, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business needs.


• Partner with Finance to provide timely and precise workforce data updates for the monthly budget process.


• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve forecasting and reporting capabilities within the system.


• All other duties as assigned

Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business or related field required.


• 5-7 years’ experience processing payroll.


• 5 years’ experience benefit administration.


• 3-5 years' experience with Paylocity preferred.


• Experience working with SuccessFactors preferred.


• Experience working with Replicon preferred.

Professional and Leadership Competencies: 

• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, state and federal tax laws, and regulations.


• Strong understanding of U.S. benefits-related laws and regulatory requirements (COBRA, ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, PPACA).


• Working knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and standards.


• Proficiency in using and expert understanding of the Replicon timekeeping system; ability to troubleshoot and educate others.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Ability to work independently with excellent time management skills.


• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.


• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders.


• Excellent mathematical and calculation skills.


• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.


• Familiarity with non-profit structures, practices, and organizational cultures.


• Exceptional organization and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.

Specific Technical Skills: 

• Required: Microsoft Suite, Paylocity (1-3 years), ADP Workforce Now (1-3 years)


• Preferred: SuccessFactors, Paycom, Replicon

Benefit Summary

MCI USA is an established, family-friendly company offering outstanding benefits and significant growth opportunities.

• PTO


• 13 paid Company Holidays, including closure Christmas Eve - New Year’s Day


• 401K


• Medical, Dental, Vision and Supplementary Insurances


• Employer-paid Group Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability


• Employer-paid Family Building Benefit (fertility, adoption, & surrogacy)


• Employer-paid Mental Health Benefit


• Pet Discount Program

Please reach out even if you do not meet all the criteria but are willing to learn and commit to one of our great roles. At MCI USA, we thrive on passion and believe that diverse perspectives make our team stronger. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or physical/mental ability.

We appreciate all who apply, though only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications remain confidential. MCI USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you need any accommodations during the application or interview process, please reach out to our chief people officer.

MCI is where you can bring your true self to work and be proud of what you do. Join us and make a difference!