Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Who we are: Falconi US is a performance-driven management consulting firm focused on the manufacturing sector. We partner with mid-market companies and private equity firms to deliver measurable operational and financial results. We don’t operate as traditional advisors—we work side by side with our clients, inside their operations, building and implementing solutions together. Our approach combines data-driven analysis, hands-on execution, and a strong results orientation to drive sustainable impact. At Falconi, professionals are builders: entrepreneurial, accountable, and committed to delivering results in demanding, fast-paced environments.

About the role: This role is critical to Falconi US's financial operations and people management. As our Payroll & Benefits Administrator, you will serve as the backbone of our accounting function, with primary responsibility for accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing and accounting. You'll own end-to-end payroll execution using Paylocity, manage GL reconciliations, handle accounts payable coordination, and ensure all financial transactions are recorded with precision. You'll also administer benefits programs and serve as the trusted partner to our HR team and employees. This is a detail-oriented, high-impact role where accuracy is non-negotiable and proactive problem-solving is expected.

What You Will Do:

· Process and manage full-cycle payroll for US employees using Paylocity—from employee data validation to final payment and compliance reporting

· Reconcile and maintain accuracy of all payroll data, including gross-to-net calculations, deductions, tax withholdings, garnishments, and benefit deductions

· Prepare and file payroll tax returns (federal, state, and local) and manage payroll compliance across multiple jurisdictions

· Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts, investigate variances, and ensure financial accuracy for accounting close

· Coordinate accounts payable activities, vendor payments, and expense reconciliation

· Build and maintain payroll and accounting reports, dashboards, and financial documentation for management, audit, and compliance

· Manage employee benefits programs (health insurance, 401(k), FSA)—enrollment, changes, reconciliation, and inquiries

· Monitor and reconcile benefits and payroll budgets, comparing actual spending against projections and forecasts

· Identify process improvement and automation opportunities in payroll, AP, and accounting workflows

· Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, and benefits with professionalism and accuracy

What We’re Looking For:

· Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Accounting degree strongly preferred)

· 2+ years of hands-on experience in payroll processing and/or accounting in the US

· Experience with Paylocity and accounting/HR software (ADP, QuickBooks, Workday) is valuable

· Bilingual: fluent in English and Portuguese (verbal and written)

· Advanced Excel skills—complex formulas, vlookups, pivot tables, budget modeling, and financial analysis

· Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance and requirements

· Demonstrated experience managing and reconciling budgets with variance analysis (actual vs. forecast)

· Familiarity with general ledger reconciliation and month-end/year-end close procedures

· Experience with benefits administration programs (401(k), health insurance, FSA) is a plus

· Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex accounting and payroll topics simply

What Sets You Apart:

· Exceptional attention to detail—accuracy is your standard

· Accounting mindset—you think in terms of debits/credits, reconciliations, and financial controls

· Proactive problem-solver who identifies issues, researches solutions, and escalates appropriately

· Comfortable handling sensitive employee and financial information with complete confidentiality

· Tech-savvy and eager to learn new payroll and accounting software systems

· Process optimization mindset—you actively identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements

· Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

· Reliable, dependable partner who takes ownership of accuracy and compliance

Work Model:  This is a hybrid role based at Falconi US’s Chicago office, requiring employees to be onsite 2-3 days per week.

Work Authorization: Applicants must have permanent work authorization in the U.S. Falconi US does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.