Payroll & Benefits Manager - 7 Month Temporary Contract

Kiva Confections (Lost Farm/Camino) ( www.kivaconfections.com ) is a world-class cannabis-infused edibles company in California, the largest cannabis market in the world. Kiva's line includes Kiva Chocolate Bars, Terra Bites, Petra Mints, Lost Farms Gummies & Chews, and Camino Gummies. Our products are crafted from premium ingredients and thoughtfully combined with California cannabis. Since our beginning in 2010, our goal has been to create confections that redefine what a cannabis confection ought to be. By applying art and science, we ensure a deliciously consistent experience.

We have high-reaching growth plans as the legal market and consumer adoption expand. Key growth initiatives include ambitious platform innovation, outstanding marketing, geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and more. We are resourced for this spectacular growth and looking for great people to help take us to the next level.

Job Summary

The Temporary Payroll & Benefits Manager oversees and executes all payroll operations for 400+ employees across multiple states and entities, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing. This role also manages key components of Kiva’s benefits programs, supports employee inquiries, partners closely with HR and Finance, and drives ongoing process improvements. The Payroll & Benefits Manager ensures the integrity of employee pay and benefits data, maintains strict confidentiality, and plays a central role in delivering a consistent, positive employee experience.

MUST reside in California!!

This Job is for you if...:

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and confidentiality are essential.
• You are highly detail-oriented and can spot discrepancies quickly.
• You enjoy mastering complex systems and improving processes to make them more efficient.
• You are proactive and take initiative in solving problems before they escalate.
• You communicate with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
• You are energized by supporting employees and partnering with cross-functional teams.
• You value integrity and understand the importance of handling sensitive information with care.
• You’re known for your follow-through, reliability, and strong organizational habits.

As Kiva's Temporary Payroll & Benefits Manager, you will...: Manage Payroll Operations

• Process accurate and timely biweekly payroll for approx. 400 employees across multiple states and entities.

• Ensure correct calculation and entry of all pay types, including overtime, sick/vacation pay, bonuses, retro adjustments, reimbursements, and commissions.

• Manage the time-sheet approval workflow and partner with leaders to ensure compliance with deadlines.

• Calculate and process off-cycle payments compliant with California labor law.

• Serve as the internal payroll expert, interpreting payroll policies and guiding employees and leaders.

• Respond to payroll-related employee inquiries with urgency, professionalism, and empathy.

• Prepare payroll-related reports for HR, Finance, Accounting, and other internal and external stakeholders. Manage Benefits Administration

• Oversee benefits eligibility, enrollments, changes, and terminations, ensuring timely and accurate updates across HRIS and carrier systems.

• Support employee questions regarding medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401(k), and other benefits programs.

• Be the HR lead and project manager during Open Enrollment, including communication planning, system updates, and auditing.

• Reconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies in partnership with Finance.

• Ensure benefits data accuracy in payroll, including deductions, arrears, and retroactive corrections. Ensure HRIS & Payroll System Accuracy

• Partner with HR to maintain clean, audit-ready HRIS data (job changes, wage updates, new hires, terminations).

• Run regular and ad-hoc audits to ensure alignment between HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems.

• Support implementation of system enhancements, automation opportunities, and new integrations. Lead Payroll & Benefits Compliance

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage & hour, and benefits regulations across multiple states.

• Manage garnishment orders, wage verifications, and government inquiries.

• Maintain internal payroll SOPs and audit documentation.

• Support internal and external audits (e.g., 401(k), workers’ comp, financial audits). Support Employee Leaves & Time Off Administration

• Oversee accurate tracking and pay alignment for leaves of absence (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, Workers’ Comp, ADA-related accommodations).

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate pay and benefit continuation. Partner Cross-Functionally

• Work closely with HR, AP, Finance, and Accounting to ensure alignment of payroll data, general ledger mapping, and financial reporting needs.

• Provide payroll and benefits insights for budgeting, forecasting, and compliance initiatives.

• Cross-train and serve as backup for key People Operations workflows as needed. Drive Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll and benefits processes. Recommend and implement best practices aligned with a growing, multi-state organization.

• Participate in People Operations projects and support broader culture and employee experience initiatives.

What we're looking for...:

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university; or a minimum of 3–5+ years of payroll & benefits management experience, ideally in a fast-paced, multi-state environment.
• Experience with benefits administration and HRIS/payroll systems required.
• Experience supporting a workforce of ~300–500 employees strongly preferred.
• UKG or large-scale HRIS experience a plus.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage & hour and garnishments.
• Strong understanding of payroll and benefits workflows and best practices.
• Exceptional analytical skills and ability to identify inconsistencies in data.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and Google Suite.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Comfort learning new systems and adapting to evolving processes.
• This is a TEMPORARY 7 MONTH role for a LOA