<p>Who We Are</p> <p>Atheneum is a 500-person global market research and knowledge-sharing firm. We help the world's leading companies, consultancies, and investors make smarter decisions, faster, by connecting them with top professionals and industry leaders across every major market.</p> <p>We are looking for a detail-oriented, tech-savvy People Operations Manager of US People Administration to own our end-to-end payroll, benefits, HR tech, and office operations for the US. As we scale our client solutions, we need a professional who ensures our most valuable asset, our people, are paid accurately and on time, that their employee benefits are administered effectively, and that they have the best in-office experience we can provide.</p> <p>You will be the primary architect of our payroll workflows, leveraging Rippling to serve as the bridge between Finance, our People Team, and our external providers. This role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of our payroll, benefits, and employee data systems while delivering a seamless employee experience.</p> <p>Main Responsibilities:</p> <p>Payroll Administration</p> <ul> <li>Execute semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll for 40 U.S.-based employees ensuring 100% accuracy and timeliness. </li><li>Ensure wage-and-hour compliance for hourly and overtime-eligible employees, including verification of approved overtime hours and coordination with the People Team </li><li>Manage payroll adjustments including bonuses, commissions, overtime, and leave-related pay. </li><li>Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll data and ensure accurate reporting and accounting alignment. </li></ul> <p>Benefits Administration</p> <ul> <li>Administer U.S. employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, 401(k), commuter benefits, incentives, and leave programs. </li><li>Manage benefits deductions and integrations within the payroll system. </li><li>Serve as the primary point of contact for employee questions related to benefits enrollment, deductions, and coverage. </li></ul> <p>HRIS & PEO Management</p> <ul> <li>Maintain the company's HRIS ecosystem (Rippling), ensuring accurate employee records, compensation updates, department allocations, and organizational structures. </li><li>Serve as the primary administrator for the company's PEO relationship, managing system integrations, employee records, and vendor coordination. </li><li>Ensure data integrity across HR systems supporting payroll, benefits, and reporting. </li></ul> <p>Employee Lifecycle Administration</p> <ul> <li>Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes for U.S.-based employees, including system setup, documentation, immigration compliance, and benefits enrollment. </li><li>Maintain employee personnel records and HR documentation, including promotions, compensation changes, and other employment-related updates. </li><li>Administer employee leave programs and ensure proper payroll and benefits handling during leave periods. </li></ul> <p>Compliance & Reporting</p> <ul> <li>Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and employment regulations, including EEO reporting and required filings. </li><li>Manage employment verifications, unemployment claims, and other regulatory correspondence. </li><li>Generate payroll and benefits reports to support Finance, HR leadership, and audits. </li></ul> <p>Operational & Office Coordination</p> <ul> <li>Manage administrative operations supporting the U.S. People function, including mail handling, equipment return coordination, and documentation processing. </li><li>Coordinate office-related employee logistics such as team lunches, events, and internal gatherings in partnership with the People Team. </li></ul> <p>Vendor & Provider Liaison</p> <ul> <li>Act as the primary point of contact for payroll providers, benefits vendors, office suppliers, and external administrators. </li><li>Troubleshoot tax filings, registrations, and vendor issues related to payroll and benefits administration. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Experience: 5+ years of dedicated payroll and benefits experience, ideally in a fast-paced startup environment. </li><li>Technical Mastery: Strong knowledge of modern, automated HRIS systems (e.g., Rippling, Gusto, Deel, or Workday). Proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) is required for data validation. </li><li>Local Expertise: Thorough understanding of California, NYC and New York State labor laws and payroll tax requirements. </li><li>Discretion: Proven ability to handle sensitive compensation data with the utmost confidentiality. </li><li>Communication: Ability to explain complex "paycheck and benefits math" to employees in a clear, empathetic, and professional manner. </li></ul> <p>Why Atheneum?</p> <ul> <li>Competitive salary and NYC-specific commuter benefits. </li><li>Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. </li><li>Hybrid working model (three days in office - Hudson Yards area) </li><li>A collaborative culture where your input on process improvement is heard. </li></ul> <p>Compensation:</p> <p>The expected base salary for this position in New York City is $70,000-85,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for a discretionary bonus.</p> <p>Atheneum is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.</p>