Payroll and Benefits Manager

About 9amHealth

9amHealth is an AI-driven virtual specialty care platform dedicated to managing chronic conditions with high costs on a large scale. We collaborate with employers, health plans, and pharmacy benefit managers to offer comprehensive and cost-effective medical care to individuals living with conditions including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Our members gain access to specialized professionals such as endocrinologists, obesity medicine experts, clinical pharmacists, at-home lab testing, prescriptions, and lifestyle support.

Founded in 2021 and supported by leading healthcare investors like Define Ventures, SemperVirens, 7Wire Ventures, and The Cigna Group Ventures, 9amHealth continues to innovate in healthcare delivery.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Payroll and Benefits Manager responsible for handling the full spectrum of employee compensation and benefits operations. This role is key in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, competitive benefits program management, and compliance adherence as we expand and hire employees across multiple states.

The ideal candidate is detail-focused, adept at navigating ambiguity, and experienced in establishing scalable processes in a fast-paced growth setting. Prior success managing payroll and benefits operations in a rapidly expanding firm is essential to maintain smooth functions and continual enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage comprehensive payroll administration across multiple states, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, inclusive of payroll adjustments, off-cycle runs, and year-end tasks like W-2 and ACA reporting.
• Administer daily operation of benefits programs such as health, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, acting as the main contact for employee benefits inquiries.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process, handling vendor coordination, employee communications, system configurations, and proposing program improvements to leadership.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state payroll and benefits legislation, managing necessary filings, audits, and reporting for all employee jurisdictions.
• Collaborate closely with Finance on payroll reconciliations, headcount analytics, and budget planning, while supporting People teams on onboarding, leave, and separation processes.
• Oversee relationships with payroll providers and benefits brokers, continuously assessing and refining tools and processes as the company grows.
• Coordinate payroll and benefits for international employees, particularly with the Austria team and external consultants to ensure consistency and compliance.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of hands-on payroll and benefits administration experience, including a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or standalone capacity.
• Proven experience processing multi-state payroll within a US company employing over 150 staff.
• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll rules, tax regulations, and benefits legislation, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Proficiency with payroll software platforms such as Rippling, Gusto, ADP, or Paylocity.
• Strong experience managing benefits programs covering medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and supplemental coverage.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a history of maintaining precise payroll operations.
• Comfortable collaborating cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, and HR groups.
• Effective communicator able to clearly explain complex benefits issues to employees at various levels.

Preferred Experience

• Background working in high-growth startups or Series B/C companies, with demonstrated ability to build or improve payroll and benefits infrastructure.
• Familiarity coordinating international payrolls, particularly involving European locations.
• Hold certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist).
• Experience using HRIS systems with strong data analysis skills to generate reports, identify discrepancies, and reconcile figures.

Work Environment and Culture

Joining 9amHealth means working within a startup environment backed by seasoned founders who have built successful businesses from the ground up. We emphasize a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our small and flexible team works remotely worldwide, including sites in San Diego, California, and Vienna, Austria, valuing diverse cultural perspectives regardless of location.

Benefits and Development

We provide a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, flexible paid time off, and remote work options. A professional development budget supports continuing education and growth aligned with company expansion. Team members have a unique opportunity to impact chronic disease management and contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on enhancing healthcare access and affordability.

Diversity and Inclusion

Recognizing that diabetes disproportionately affects BIPOC communities, we strive to cultivate a workforce reflective of our patients, dedicated to delivering inclusive and positive healthcare experiences. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds including people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and immigrants.