Senior Payroll Specialist

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.

If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Senior Payroll Specialist position.

This position may be filled remotely, or in any of our locations.

Under the direction of the Payroll Manager, the Senior Payroll Specialist performs all activities necessary to process multi-state payroll, including importing and exporting payroll related data, processing voluntary and involuntary deductions (such as levies and garnishments), complying with state and local tax requirements and paid time off regulations, reconciling discrepancies, documenting, and updating procedures, and maintaining payroll related records.

Additionally, assists the Benefits & Retirement Manager with retirement contributions. Essential functions include :

• Prepare and process two (2) regular semi-monthly payrolls and one (1) regular monthly payroll for 400+ partners and 1,700+ employees in 35+ states ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local taxes and pay / leave laws.
• Prepare and process off-cycle, post only checks when needed along with respective deductions.
• Maintain payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data.
• Import payroll information as needed (, temporary deductions, hours, and earnings, garnishments, etc.).
• Responsible for the accuracy of payroll information and data entered by HRIS staff.
• Initiate and maintain DC Employment Status and Acknowledgement of Wage Rate(s) documents.
• Organize and enter all exceptions for each pay period provided by various areas of the firm.
• Ensure garnishment records are maintained in accordance with jurisdictional requirements and compare records to money withheld from paycheck to ensure accuracy before remittance to Court.
• Responsible for accuracy of timesheets for semi-monthly payroll. Coordinate with supervisors and / or employees to ensure timesheets are complete and accurate.
• Maintain and reconcile PTO records.
• Comply with state and local paid time off requirements, preparing and distributing individual PTO statements each pay period for employees in states such as California.
• Reconcile retirement contributions from each payroll and ensure the contributions are sent to the retirement plan vendor timely (typically within one (1) day of payroll).

In addition, send year-end contributions to retirement vendor on dates recommended by accounting.

• Maintain retirement contribution summary spreadsheet.
• Process the General Ledger for each payroll.
• Process prior quarter payroll adjustments as needed.
• Process reports for various departments once payroll is completed.
• Gather required documents for retirement plan audit (annually), upload documents to auditor’s engagement organizer for the year, research and troubleshoot any issues or questions the auditors have about the documentation provided.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information and discussing problems or questions with employee / supervisor / accounting.
• Field miscellaneous calls from staff, attorneys, outside vendors; answer questions or forward to appropriate person.
• Complete employment verification requests.
• Create and distribute monthly Headcount Reporting for various areas of the firm.
• Maintain employee parking information for payroll purposes.
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Associate degree in related field, bachelor's degree preferred or commensurate work experience.
• FPC / CPP certification or other similar payroll certification preferred.
• 5+ years’ relevant payroll experience required, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with multi-state payroll processing and related payroll taxes, including reciprocity.
• Knowledge of payroll concepts (fringe benefits, garnishments, local taxes, final pay rules by state, W-2 / W-2c reporting, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong experience with UKG preferred.
• Sound understanding of HR policies, practices, and procedures required.
• Extensive experience with Excel.
• Ability to make mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues by using sound judgment.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and / or perform the essential functions of a position.