Payroll & Benefits Manager

Canvas Worldwide, recognized as one of Ad Age’s “Best Places to Work” for three consecutive years, is an independent media agency committed to providing creative solutions for brands that challenge the status quo. Our client roster includes well-known names such as Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, MGM, and Zillow. We are excited to offer a rewarding opportunity for a Payroll & Benefits Manager to join our Human Resources team based in El Segundo. This is a hybrid position, working from the office 3 days per week.

Reporting directly to the SVP of Human Resources, the Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for managing bi-weekly payroll, 401(k), and benefits administration for over 500 employees across six network offices.

Payroll - End-to-End Excellence:
• Run accurate, timely bi‑monthly payroll using ADP Workforce Now as our in‑house expert.
• Ensure flawless execution with third‑party processors when needed.
• Oversee multi‑state payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, and wage‑garnishment compliance.
• Maintain strict compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and wage‑hour laws (including FLSA & multi‑state leave rules).
• Lead payroll‑related audits and deliver all required documentation with confidence.

Collaboration & Employee Support:
• Partner with Finance & Accounting to reconcile payroll data and support payroll‑tax filings.
• Work closely with HR on employment and income verifications, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
• Serve as the go‑to resource for employee payroll questions, resolving discrepancies and escalations quickly and compassionately.

Process Innovation:
• Identify opportunities for automation, streamlined workflows, and error‑reduction.
• Keep payroll documentation clean, organized, and up‑to‑date.

401(K) Plan Administration - Governance & Compliance:
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, including SECURE Act 2.0 requirements.
• Support fiduciary responsibilities by coordinating committee meetings and materials.

Plan Operations:
• Act as the primary liaison for our recordkeeper, advisors, and partners.
• Manage day‑to‑day plan administration and participant support.

Financial Oversight:
• Collaborate with Finance and auditors during our annual 401(k) plan audit.
• Prepare required participant notices and annual fee disclosures.

Regulatory Awareness:
• Stay ahead of evolving 401(k) legislation and industry best practices.

Benefits Administration & Employee Wellness - Benefits Strategy:
• Continuously evaluate and evolve our health and voluntary benefits to meet employee needs and company goals.
• Explore and recommend new programs backed by data and insight.

Open Enrollment Leadership:
• Design and deliver a high‑impact open enrollment experience that’s clear, engaging, and well‑communicated.

Compliance Reporting:
• Ensure timely, accurate ACA reporting and filing compliance.
• Maintain internal benefits documentation and policies.

Vendor Partnerships:
• Manage brokers, providers, and consultants to ensure quality, cost‑efficiency, and service excellence.

Financial Stewardship:
• Oversee benefits invoicing and monthly reconciliations; resolve billing issues quickly.

Employee Engagement & Wellness:
• Partner with HR and external teams to educate employees on benefits and retirement plans.
• Produce a monthly Employee Wellness Newsletter to highlight programs and resources.
• Co‑lead wellness program development and ongoing engagement.

Salary & Benefits

We offer generous benefits including comprehensive health coverage, unlimited paid time off, paid company holidays, and a matching 401(k) plan. Additional perks include employee social and wellness events, a DEI Council, auto purchase rebate program, monthly wellness allowance, and in-office amenities such as fresh kombucha and an in-house barista inside our beautiful, new vibrant El Segundo office.

Canvas Worldwide is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

CA Applicants: Canvas Worldwide practices Fair Change Hiring.