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Manager, Payroll and Benefits


Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 103500 - 165600
Posted: 21 August 2026 (16 days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description:

The Manager Payroll & Benefits is a highly visible and critical role responsible for the operational oversight of the companys payroll and employee benefits programs. This role ensures employees are paid accurately and timely benefit programs are administered effectively and all payroll and benefits processes comply with applicable federal state and local regulations.

The Manager will serve as a key partner to Human Resources Finance employees and external vendors driving operational excellence process improvements and a positive employee experience. This role will also leverage HR technology and data to improve efficiency reporting compliance and decision-making across payroll and benefits.

Payroll Management

  • Oversee the end-to-end payroll process ensuring accurate and timely processing for all employees.
  • Partner closely with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding reconciliations reporting and accounting requirements.
  • Ensure payroll practices comply with federal state and local wage and tax regulations.
  • Manage payroll tax filings year-end processes W-2s and other required payroll reporting.
  • Review payroll results and reports to identify discrepancies and ensure data accuracy.
  • Manage payroll-related audits and respond to internal and external inquiries.
  • Partner with HR and Finance on compensation changes bonuses commissions equity-related payroll activity and other special payroll requirements.
  • Maintain payroll procedures and controls to ensure consistency accuracy and compliance.
  • Identify opportunities to automate and streamline payroll processes.

Benefits Management

  • Manage the day-to-day administration of the companys health and welfare benefit programs including medical dental vision life disability FSA HSA 401k and other programs.
  • Administer leave of absences including but not limited to medical personal military maternity paternity and personal leaves.
  • Lead annual benefits renewal and open enrollment activities in partnership with brokers carriers and internal stakeholders.
  • Evaluate benefit programs and make recommendations that balance employee needs cost competitiveness and business objectives.
  • Manage benefit vendors and serve as the primary point of contact for issue resolution and ongoing relationship management.
  • Ensure accurate benefits eligibility enrollment deductions and employee changes.
  • Oversee compliance requirements including ERISA COBRA HIPAA ACA Section 125 and other applicable regulations.
  • Coordinate required benefit filings audits notices and reporting.
  • Monitor utilization costs and trends to identify opportunities for plan and process improvements.
  • Develop employee communications and educational materials to help employees understand and effectively utilize their benefits.

Compliance Risk and Data Management

  • Stay current on federal state and local payroll and benefits legislation and ensure programs and processes remain compliant.
  • Maintain appropriate documentation controls and procedures for payroll and benefits administration.
  • Partner with legal counsel brokers auditors and vendors as needed on compliance matters.
  • Lead or support internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits.
  • Partner with HRIS and HR teams to ensure payroll and benefits data is accurate and properly maintained within the HR system.
  • Support system configuration testing integrations and enhancements related to payroll and benefits.
  • Develop and maintain reporting and analytics to support payroll benefits compliance and workforce decisions.
  • Establish strong data controls and reconciliation processes across HR payroll benefits and finance systems.

Team & Vendor Leadership

  • Lead develop and support payroll and benefits team members fostering accountability collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Establish clear processes service expectations and performance standards for the function.
  • Manage relationships with payroll providers benefits brokers carriers third-party administrators and other vendors.
  • Negotiate vendor services and contracts as appropriate.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex employee payroll and benefits questions.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Finance Accounting or a related field preferred.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar benefits and payroll certification desired.
  • 6 years of progressive experience in payroll benefits or related HR operations.
  • Prior experience managing multi-state payroll and employee benefits programs required.
  • Strong experience with Workday is required.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll and payroll tax regulations including equity commissions bonuses garnishments relocation housing allowance etc.
  • Experience managing fully insured and self-insured benefits plans and deep understanding of benefits compliance requirements.
  • Experience directly supervising a team. Successful experience scaling a team in a high-growth environment a plus.
  • Proven success scaling payroll and benefits programs preferred.
  • Ex-US payroll and benefits experience preferred.
  • Experience managing external vendors and broker relationships.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and implement scalable solutions.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Competencies: Professional Integrity Discretion Positive Attitude Innovative Independent Judgement Teamwork/Collaboration Verbal & Written Communication Project Management Attention to Detail Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills Data Interpretation Adaptability

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $103500-$165600.

#LI-Hybrid

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.


We are committed to offering competitive compensation. Starting pay is determined based on a variety of factors including the role job-related knowledge skills experience education internal equity market data and the location of the role where applicable.


Xeris Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the Company) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race color religion sex gender identity sexual orientation national origin age disability veteran status genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified candidates are given equal opportunity and the Companys employment selection decisions are based solely on job-related : This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the Company.

The level of the position will be determined based on the selected candidates qualifications and experience. Final determination of the actual base salary offered depends on several factors including but not limited to the candidates skills experience education location and business needs. Employees are eligible for equity or long-term incentive awards where applicable. Field Sales role employees are eligible for a quarterly commission structure. Non-Sales role employees are eligible for an annual bonus. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes additional elements such as paid time off benefits various health vision and dental insurance options 401(k) retirement benefits and more for eligible employees. Details about these and other offerings will be provided at the time a conditional offer of employment is made. Candidates are always welcome to inquire about our compensation and benefits package during the interview hired as temporary employees interns and preceptors are not eligible for commissions bonuses and/or long-term incentive or equity awards. Eligibility for other benefits will be based on plan documents.


Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

If because of a medical condition or disability you require a reasonable accommodation or assistance to complete any part of the application process please send an e-mail to and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Please include the job requisition number in your message. Please note if your request is not for this stated purpose you will not receive a response to your email. Do not include any medical or health information in this email.


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Required Experience:

Manager