Senior Payroll Specialist

Vedder Price's Chicago office is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist. Under the direct supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Senior Payroll Specialist will coordinate and oversee the day to day payroll responsibilities for all domestic and international offices. The Senior Payroll Specialist handles all areas of Payroll processing including but not limited to reporting, UTM Time and attendance administration, documentation of procedures, maintenance of earning/deduction and pay codes and accountability for accurate payroll audits and controls. The Senior Payroll Specialist will ensure that pay is processed on time, accurately and in compliance with government regulations.

As a Senior Payroll Specialist, your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely, in accordance with processing deadlines
• Validate and process system updates such as new hires, separations and changes to pay rates in a timely and accurate manner
• Reconcile payroll reports to the source information and validate all entries prior to transmission
• Oversee inquires and requests related to preparation and distribution of payroll
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local payroll, wage and hour laws and best practices
• Partner with the Payroll Manager and Accounting Department as needed to reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies
• Generate Ad Hoc Reports as required
• Compute and process manual/off cycle Bank wire requests
• Maintain employee payroll records
• Maintain security and extreme confidentiality of payroll information
• Provide process improvement recommendations
• Update and maintain documentation of department processes, procedures and controls
• Handle department projects and audits as assigned
• Facilitate audits by providing records and documentation to auditors

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong working knowledge of payroll best practices
• Strong knowledge of federal, multi-state and international regulations
• Strong work ethic and high degree of professionalism
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material
• Strong interpersonal (verbal and written) communication skills
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skill
• Ability to demonstrate solid logic, detailed analysis, attention to detail, alertness, and a sense of urgency on a regular basis
• Requires good follow-up, accuracy, and record keeping skills
• Ability to perform all duties with minimal supervision
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet operating needs
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite programs and reporting, including but not limited to XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP’s, PIVOT TABLES, SUMIFS etc.
• Experience processing multiple Payroll Groups
• Effective organization and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and adhere to project deadlines
• High degree of initiative, confidentiality, mature judgement and discretion
• Knowledge of related tax rules and regulations
• Strong sense of urgency, accountability and result oriented
• Superior detail orientation: values accuracy and has high standards around quality of work
• Operate with strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Having the ability to analyze, interpret, and respond to the payroll data
• Be proactive on deliverables and reporting to departments
• Ability to collaborate, be a team player, flexible, adaptable, and approachable

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years of payroll experience required
• Experience processing multi-state and international payrolls required
• Experience processing multiple payroll frequencies
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines
• Prior experience with UKG and UTM Time and Attendance tools a Preferred
• FPC or CPP a plus

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:

• Master level proficiency in Microsoft Suite Excel and working knowledge of Work and Outlook required
• Working knowledge of UKG/ADP/HRIS systems (preferred)

Compensation Range: 70,000/yr. to $93,000/yr.

At Vedder Price, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder Price and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at vprecruiting@vedderprice.com.

Salary : $93,000