Bilingual (EnglishSpanish) Payroll & Benefits Manager

Our client is a privately held multi-entity organization that serves as the centralized corporate hub for a group of businesses in the seafood distribution hospitality restaurant and retail sectors is seeking a Bilingual Payroll & Benefits Manager to be part of the corporate team that supports all affiliated companies This organization operates in a fast-paced service-driven environment and partners closely with operational leadership to support growth efficiency and operational excellence across all business units.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Execute weekly payroll across multiple entities with accuracy and timeliness
• Validate earnings commissions bonuses deductions garnishments and tax withholdings
• Monitor payroll accuracy and proactively identify trends discrepancies or issues
• Maintain detailed and confidential payroll records; ensure data integrity
• Partner with Finance on labor coding payroll journal entries and reconciliations
• Manage special payroll items including back pay adjustments garnishments and one-time payments
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc payroll-related reports
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries
• Own and maintain payroll documentation including Tip Sheets and related policies
• Coordinate and distribute W-2s; Administer and maintain payroll systems primarily ADP Workforce Now
• Manage Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) filing processing and reporting

Benefits Administration

• Administer all employee benefit programs including medical dental vision life disability transit and ancillary benefits
• Lead the Annual Benefits Renewal process in partnership with brokers and Finance
• Process benefit enrollments changes terminations and carrier file feeds
• Perform weekly and monthly benefit billing reconciliations (medical dental vision transit)
• Oversee COBRA administration
• Manage 401(k) and pension programs including enrollments loans distributions audits and annual reporting
• Own Open Enrollment planning system configuration employee communications and presentations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries

Leave & Claims Management

• Administer all employee leave programs including FMLA Paid Family Leave (PFL) ADA accommodations disability leaves workers compensation and personal leaves of absence
• File and manage claims track cases and maintain accurate documentation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees going out on or returning from leave
• Coordinate accurate pay and benefit continuation during leave periods
• Maintain leave calendars and internal notifications

Compliance Reporting & Auditing

• Ensure compliance with federal state and local regulations including ERISA ACA COBRA HIPAA IRS OSHA and DOL requirements
• Own ACA compliance including monthly tracking and annual 1095-C review and distribution
• Monitor HRIS and payroll file feeds; manage troubleshooting and vendor escalations
• Oversee annual filings including Form 5500s pension reports and nondiscrimination testing
• Handle IRS follow-ups and inquiries; Conduct regular audits to maintain ;HRIS and payroll data integrity
• Support Workers Compensation pension and 401(k) audits ;
• Manage NY Youth Action and other required compliance reporting

Systems & Process Optimization

• Administer HRIS and payroll systems including reporting setup and configuration changes
• Identify opportunities to automate processes and strengthen internal controls
• Lead or support system upgrades transitions and new implementations
• Assist with HR technology maintenance billing reconciliation and employee system setup (including laptops mobile devices and other assigned technology)
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across HR and Finance

Additional Responsibilities

The Payroll & Benefits Manager may perform other related duties as business needs evolve.

Performance Metrics

• Payroll accuracy and timeliness; benefit enrollment and deduction accuracy
• ACA and regulatory compliance; leave administration responsiveness and accuracy
• Clean error-free system data and reporting; successful completion of annual filings and audits
• Process improvements automation and cycle-time reductions

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Finance Business or a related field preferred
• 35 years of payroll and benefits experience; multi-entity experience preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required including the ability to support non-Spanish-speaking HR staff during employee interactions
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and benefit regulations (ERISA COBRA ACA HIPAA)
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred
• Strong Excel skills and ability to analyze data
• Exceptional attention to detail accuracy and follow-through
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Proven experience improving processes and systems
• Prior experience in hospitality food service and/or warehouse environments is a plus

Work Conditions:

• Hybrid schedule: 3 remote days and 2 on-site days (Manhattan; occasional Bronx visits)
• Additional on-site presence may be required during peak periods
• Full-time exempt role aligned with standard business hours with flexibility during payroll deadlines Open Enrollment and audits
• Fast-paced environment requires adaptability multitasking and strong problem-solving skills

Compensation & Benefits:

$85000$90000 annual salary with medical dental and vision coverage and a 401(k) with company match.

Up to 20 days PTO (25 after year one) 56 hours paid sick time plus life insurance commuter benefits EAP employee discounts and annual performance reviews.