Sr Payroll & Benefits Specialist

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

​Role Summary:

​The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration and support of the organization’s payroll and benefits programs. This position will ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and company policies and guidelines. This role supports delivering payroll and benefits administration for CARIAD and an additional affiliated company (shared services model), ensuring consistent, compliant, and high-quality operations across multiple entities. The role is responsible for managing multiple payroll cycles, including biweekly and monthly payrolls, and supporting domestic employees as well as international assignees.

Role Responsibilities:

​Payroll and Compliance (35%)

Payroll Systems

• Manage end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration for all employees.
• Document and maintain payroll process guides.
• Manage payroll system projects and upgrades.
• Administer multiple concurrent payrolls across companies, including:
  • Biweekly payrolls for two legal entities.
  • Monthly payrolls for international assignees (impats and expats).
  • Year-end payroll activities as outlined in payroll process documents
• Ensure accurate coordination of payroll inputs related to:
  • Cross-border compensation elements.
  • Tax equalization, allowances, and benefits-in-kind (as applicable).
• Partner closely with Finance, Mobility, and external payroll providers to ensure alignment across entities and payroll cycles.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay current on emerging and new legislation.
• Ensure compliance and accurate payment, reporting, filing, and reconciliation of all multi-state
• employer and employee-related payroll taxes and compliance with applicable country-specific tax laws.
• Ensure all plan filings and audits are performed to maintain benefit plan qualification and governmental compliance, including but not limited to ACA Reporting, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), DOL, and Internal Revenue Code.
• Provide audit support activities by pulling reports, gathering data, and organizing the data to support inquiries.
• Complete all requirements for CARIAD to operate in compliance with federal and state laws, including FLSA evaluations and EEO reporting.

Benefits Administration (20%) 

• Administer and support complex benefits programs for employees across multiple companies within a shared services model, ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Manage benefits eligibility, enrollments, and ongoing administration for domestic employees, in partnership with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Administer all benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. o Identify opportunities to improve the benefits administration and programs.
• Maintain Benefits related guides.

Shared Services (30%)

• Support a shared services model, providing payroll and benefits administration for CARIAD and an additional affiliated company.
• Serve as an operational point of contact for payroll and benefits activities across supported entities, ensuring adherence to service-level expectations.
• Executes standardized processes, documentation, and controls across companies informed by leadership.
• Coordinate with internal HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure seamless execution of payroll and benefits across all supported populations.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency within the shared services framework.

Communication (10%)

• Provide guidance and support to HRBPs and employees on payroll and benefits-related matters.
• Works closely with the Total Rewards Lead to execute operational priorities and continuously improve payroll and benefits delivery.

Additional Responsibilities (5%) 

• Other projects as assigned

​General Skills:

• ​Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and able to manage tight deadlines and time management
• Able to effectively communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner
• Ingenuity to find ways of solving problems and finding solutions that can meet the needs of the business and balance them with internal guidelines
• Detailed driven with emphasis on accuracy, coupled with the ability to see the broader picture.
• Strong organizational skills and time management skills
• Problem solving

​Required Specialized Skills:

• ​Must have knowledge or familiarity with HR functions.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, with a strong focus on Excel
• Strong organization skills, detail oriented and quick learner
• Knowledge of health and welfare regulatory environment, including ERISA, HIPAA and PPACA
• Experience interfacing with third-party vendor relationships with respect to employee benefits
• Ability to interact with all levels of management
• Strong written communication, attention to details and proofreading skills
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

​Desired Skills:

• ​Proficient in ADP Workforce Now · Knowledge of the day-to-day administration of benefits plans
• Certification in payroll, benefits, and/or compliance
• Experience with global or multi-payroll and benefit programs
• Experience working in tech industry 
• Experience supporting multi-entity or shared services payroll and benefits models
• Experience administering payroll and/or benefits for international assignees (impats/expats)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple payroll calendars and complex employee populations

​Workplace Flexibility:

• ​Must be willing to work additional hours during busy times of month & year
• Travel as business requires

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• ​6+ years of related experience, in the areas of Payroll, Benefits and Compliance

​Required Education:

• ​Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration or similar degree preferred

​Desired Education: 

• ​Master’s degree in human resources, Business Administration or similar degree
• Certification(s): CPP, CECP, CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. The salary range for this position is $128,369.00 - $166,561.00. 

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees. 

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. 

Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

 By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.