Sr. Manager, Payroll & Benefits

About Betterment

Betterment is a leading, technology-driven financial services company that offers investing and retirement solutions for retail investors and investment advisors as well as financial wellness solutions, including a 401(k) for small and medium-sized businesses. Our team is passionate about our mission, to empower people to build wealth with confidence and ease.  We’re headquartered in NYC and offer hybrid NY-based positions (Four days/ week in-office).

About the role

We’re seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits to lead and operate our payroll and benefits processes end to end. This is a hands-on role focused on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, strong internal controls, and a high-quality employee experience at scale. 

You will personally manage payroll processing and oversee the day-to-day administration of benefits programs. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in the details, ensuring things run smoothly, and building reliable, well-controlled processes.

You’ll partner closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure payroll and benefits operations are compliant, timely, and employee-friendly.

This role is based out of our NYC office. Below we've reflected the base salary range we would offer for this position. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Betterment’s total compensation package for employees. 

• New York City: $135,000 - $155,000

We offer a competitive equity package, health, dental and vision benefits, life and AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, EAP, commuter and parking benefits FSA/HSA, and 401(k) with employer match as well as a flexible PTO policy. This job may also be eligible for variable compensation in the form of a company incentive bonus.  For jobs based out of our NYC HQ, we require in office attendance Monday through Thursday, weekly.

What you’ll do

• Own and execute end-to-end multi-state U.S. payroll processing ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance
• Manage regular and off-cycle payroll, including bonuses, equity, terminations, and other complex pay scenarios
• Own payroll tax compliance end-to-end, including federal, state, and local withholding, remittance, registrations, reconciliations, audits, and resolution of tax notices
• Oversee quarterly and annual payroll tax filings (941s, state equivalents, FUTA, SUTA) and ensure timely and accurate reporting
• Partner with Finance and external advisors on payroll tax strategy, risk mitigation, and process improvements
• Partner with Finance on payroll accounting, accruals, journal entries, and close activities
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation to support compliance and audit readiness
• Oversee administration of health, retirement, leave, and ancillary benefit programs
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, including vendor coordination and employee communications
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable federal and state regulations
• Manage relationships with brokers and third-party administrators to ensure service quality and operational effectiveness
• Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll and benefits issues
• Continuously improve payroll and benefits workflows, systems configuration, and data integrity
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary updates

What we’re looking for

• 7+ years of progressive, hands-on payroll and benefits experience in a multi-state environment
• Demonstrated experience independently running payroll operations
• Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll tax regulations and benefits compliance
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of discretion when handling confidential employee data
• Experience with enterprise HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, or similar systems)
• CPP, CEBS, or related certifications preferred

What being at Betterment means for you

We change lives

Join a community of innovators working to transform financial outcomes for real people. Your work will make an impact, always laddering up to our mission: making people's lives better.

We set audacious goals

We set them for the company, our customers, and ourselves—and we won’t stop until we reach them. We don’t just show up; we give our all, then celebrate our wins.