Payroll Coordinator

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som) • Chicago, IL

104d • $60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent coursework/experience).
• Exposure to payroll, accounting, or HR (through internship, coursework, or office experience) preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to work with sensitive data.
• Comfortable working with numbers and eager to learn payroll systems.
• Proficiency with Excel (or willingness to learn advanced features like pivot tables).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Process regular payroll cycles accurately and on time.
• Enter and maintain employee payroll data (new hires, terminations, rate changes, benefits, deductions).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with accuracy and professionalism.
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist with resolving discrepancies.
• Support year-end activities, including W-2 preparation and reporting.
• Assist with payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Provide payroll data for audits, compliance requests, and reporting needs.
• Support the Finance team during month-end and year-end close processes.
• Generate standard payroll and workforce reports (labor costs, overtime, headcount).
• Assist in identifying trends and providing insights to Finance and HR.
• Learn and apply reporting tools (Excel, BI platforms) to improve efficiency and analysis.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance.
• 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs.
• Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
• Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree