Job Title:
Payroll Benefits Manager
Company: IRG
Location: Des Moines, IA
Created: 2026-05-08
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Why IRG Ventures, LLC?IRG Ventures is a venture studio built by seasoned operators who don't just fund great ideas "” they build alongside them. Our portfolio companies, Supersure, AidFinder, MicroGrid Power, and Innovation Refunds are tackling real problems in industries overdue for change.Supersure is where insurance and benefits become a competitive advantage for small and medium-sized businesses. We're tech-powered, mission-driven partners who deliver enterprise-level service at SMB scale.AidFinder is on a mission to help disaster survivors navigate FEMA, SBA, and state aid programs so they can recover faster and more completely.MicroGrid Power designs and delivers on-site energy systems that give commercial and industrial businesses control over their power.Innovation Refunds has guided thousands of SMB business owners through a complex, often overwhelming process "” turning government relief into real dollars in their pockets.The OpportunityWe're looking for a detail-obsessed, process-driven Payroll & Benefits Manager who wants to own something that really matters "” the financial and benefit wellbeing of every person who works here. This is a newly created role, which means you'll have the rare opportunity to build the function from the ground up: setting standards, shaping processes, and leaving your fingerprints on how this company takes care of its people. You'll serve as the in-house expert across payroll, benefits, and HRIS working alongside the People Team that understands that great culture starts with getting the basics right.What You'll DoPayrollOwn and process end-to-end payroll for all employees on a semi-monthly basis, in-houseEnsure payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour lawsReconcile payroll prior to each processing cycle, auditing hours, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdingsMaintain payroll records and ensure proper documentation for audit purposesResearch and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries quickly and professionallyStay current on payroll tax regulations and proactively implement required changesMaintain expert knowledge of federal and state payroll filings (941, W-2s, 1095-Cs, etc.); filings are processed through ADP but this role owns accuracy and compliance oversightPartner with Finance on payroll reconciliation, journal entries, and reportingBenefits AdministrationPartner with Chief People Officer as the primary liaison with the benefits broker to manage all employee benefit plans "” medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k)Own the annual open enrollment process end-to-end: planning, communications, system configuration, and data auditsRespond to and resolve employee benefits questions with accuracy and professionalismManage new hire benefits enrollment and qualifying life event changesAdminister COBRA and ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirementsPartner with the benefits broker and Chief People Officer on plan renewals, benchmarking, and strategic recommendationsHRIS AdministrationServe as the HRIS system administrator "” responsible for configuration, security, and permissions managementEstablish and maintain user roles, access levels, and security protocols to protect employee dataPartner with IT to implement system updates, enhancements, and integrationsWork together with the People Team to develop and maintain scalable HRIS workflows to support company growthGenerate payroll and HR reports to support business and compliance needsIdentify opportunities where automation and AI can reduce manual effort, improve data accuracy, and create a better employee experienceStay current on emerging HR tech and AI capabilities relevant to payroll, benefits, and HRIS administrationWhat We're Looking ForQualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field "” or equivalent work experienceMinimum 3 or more years of progressive experience processing in-house payroll Use of payroll system to administer payroll, ADP strongly preferred Demonstrated experience owning end-to-end payroll including tax compliance, garnishments, reconciliations, and year-end processing (W-2s, tax filings)Proven experience administering a full suite of employee benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k)Hands-on experience managing the full annual open enrollment cycle, including communications, platform configuration, and post-enrollment auditsExperience managing benefits carrier feeds, enrollment data audits, and resolving discrepancies with brokers and vendorsDemonstrated HRIS administration experience, including system configuration, security roles, and permissionsExperience transitioning payroll from a third-party processor to an in-house model a plus Who You AreA high-accuracy operator who takes pride in getting the details right "” every timeSomeone who can explain complex payroll and benefits information clearly to employees at all levelsExcited by technology and AI "” you actively look for ways to work smarter, not just harder, and you're not waiting to be told when a better tool existsDiscreet and trustworthy when handling sensitive and confidential dataComfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-growth environmentProficient in Microsoft Excel and able to learn new technology quicklyIn-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulationsStrong understanding of benefits regulations: ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLAYou Take Care of the Work. We'll Take Care of You.Free medical coverage and comprehensive dental & vision insurance for you and your dependentsAn HSA with employer dollars to help you saveMental health resources for life's tougher momentsCompany-paid life insurance and short-term disabilityCompany-paid parking on-site or train pass$60/month cell phone stipend401(k) dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% with 100% immediate vestingA team that genuinely enjoys spending time together "” backed by free snacks, drinks, and events people still talk aboutCompetitive paid time off to recharge, so you can show up as your best self12 paid holidays, plus a floating holiday to spend however you see fit