Payroll Manager

Harris Associates•Chicago, IL

40d

About The Position

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm’s payroll function. Core responsibilities include executing regular payroll processing, conducting independent technical research on regulatory and tax requirements, serving as the firm’s subject matter expert on the UKG Payroll and Time Management platform, and delivering customized reporting and consultative support to stakeholders across the organization. Success in this role requires strong technical subject matter expertise, the ability to leverage data and technology effectively, and meticulous attention to detail. The Payroll Manager must operate as a trusted business partner to a diverse set of constituents and consistently exercise the highest level of professional discretion to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information. The role also demands proactive communication, enthusiastic engagement, and the drive to lead and support complex change‑management initiatives within a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Requirements

10+ years of experience leading a firm-wide (or large business unit) payroll function.
Certified Payroll Professional, or willingness to acquire.
Experience with profit sharing plan administration to meet ERISA requirements.
Knowledge of complex tax issues; ability to learn continuously to remain current on technical developments.
Ability to effectively communicate with all levels within the organization.
Excellent attention to detail, a high degree of initiative and adaptability, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
Demonstrated ability to exercise impeccable discretion and uphold strict confidentiality when managing sensitive payroll, compensation, and employee data.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of core financial systems: Sage 100 / Concur
Ability to efficiently manage and analyze data with VBA / Microsoft Access / Microsoft SQL / Python

Responsibilities

Oversee and execute all payroll operations for salaried, partner, and hourly employees, ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations and verifying timesheets.
Perform payroll adjustments, including garnishments, deductions, wage assignments, and vacation payouts.
Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely.
Serve as the HRIS payroll subject matter expert, including exporting general ledger data, generating reports, and managing interfaces with benefits vendors.
Research payroll and tax issues; remain current on regulatory and tax developments impacting payroll processing, withholding and reporting, engaging third-party subject matter experts as appropriate.
Address and resolve employee payroll inquiries and provide guidance on federal and state income tax withholding.
Reconcile quarterly federal and state payroll tax filings and year‑end returns, including W‑2s and 1095‑Cs.
Partner with People team to prepare and review data for employee total compensation statements.
Provide ad hoc compensation reporting (e.g., overtime summaries, tax withholding analyses) as requested.
Act as liaison with Profit Sharing Plan Record-keeper and Trustee and prepare reports as required.
Prepare, calculate and transmit payroll data to calculate 401(k), Roth, Safe Harbor Plan and Grantor Trust Plan.
Audit reports from recordkeeper and authorize release of funds
Maintain Profit Sharing database which includes employee information and year-to-date payroll data.
Prepare and submit Form 5500 and Summary Annual Report for pension benefit plan.
Provide data requested from auditors for Profit Sharing Plan, Annual Year-End, and Workers’ Compensation audits.
Complete annual QSLOB (Qualified Separate Line of Business) data request for Natixis.