Compensation Manager

Saul Ewing LLP • Newark, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Compensation Manager implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. The Compensation Manager further ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred. Equivalent work experience accepted.
• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in compensation management and payroll administration, preferably in a multi-state or professional services environment.
• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes, including strong understanding of multi-state jurisdictions and unemployment taxes.
• Ability to excel with a high degree of autonomy in a complex environment, working both independently and partnering with team members, while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with payroll and HRIS systems: Dayforce experience strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Dayforce experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and maintains the Firm’s compensation structures, including salary ranges, pay grades, and market-based adjustments.
• Conducts compensation benchmarking and market pricing analyses to ensure internal equity.
• Support the design and refinement of salary structures, incentive plans, bonus programs, and merit-based compensation frameworks.
• Develops, administers, and evaluates incentive, bonus, and commission programs in compliance with applicable laws and Firm policies.
• Assist with the integration of market data into compensation models and pay ranges.
• Oversees wage and hour compliance related to compensation practices, including exempt and non-exempt classifications, overtime eligibility, and premium pay structures across multiple jurisdictions.
• Reviews and approves compensation actions related to new hires, promotions, transfers, merit increases, and equity adjustments.
• Partners with Human Resources on pay equity analyses, pay transparency requirements, and compliance reviews.
• Assist in the development, analysis, and maintenance of compensation models for attorneys, paralegals, and business professionals, ensuring alignment with firm strategy and market competitiveness.
• Advises Firm leadership on compensation trends, legislative developments, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Implements, maintains payroll information by designing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions, including salaries, overtime, premiums, garnishments, taxes and entering data.
• Oversees payroll records by reviewing and approving changes in exemptions, insurance coverage, savings deductions, new hire, termination, job titles, and department/ division transfers.
• Pays employees by directing the production and issuance of paychecks or electronic transfers to bank accounts.
• Prepares reports by compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages.
• Responsible for payroll liabilities by reviewing and approving the calculation of employee federal and state income and social security taxes, and employer’s social security, unemployment, and workers compensation payments, as generated by the Firm’s payroll tax company.
• Manages the monthly general ledger process between the payroll and billing systems.
• Works with the Firm’s Controller and Accounting Department to assure accurate posting of payroll, taxes and deductions in to the general ledger.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure payroll accounts are balanced and accurately recorded.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Monitors and interprets federal, state, and local legislation affecting compensation and payroll; ensures compliance and advises management on required actions.
• Has authority to interpret and apply wage and hour laws and to recommend and implement compensation-related policies and practices, subject to executive approval.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for compensation and payroll inquiries from employees and management.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of compensation and payroll information.
• Manages and develops payroll staff, including recruiting, training, performance management, and workflow oversight.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continuing education, professional publications, and participation in industry organizations.
• Contributes to team and Firm objectives by performing related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The pay for this position will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, education, external market data, internal equity, and other job-related factors. The anticipated range for this role is $120k to $160k.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees