Payroll Specialist

MWE • Washington, DC

18d • $72,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant processing of attorney and business professional payrolls. Using Workday Payroll, the specialist executes payroll processes, validates results, resolves discrepancies, and supports daily payroll operations. Working under minimal supervision, this role exercises sound judgment, owns assigned responsibilities, and identifies ways to improve processes and make effective use of available technology.

The role prepares and audits payrolls, reconciles payroll information across systems, supports payroll reporting and general ledger accuracy, responds to employee inquiries, and works with HR, Accounting, and other stakeholders. It also maintains payroll procedures and documentation and supports compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls.

The firm describes its culture as collaborative and inclusive and offers a competitive total rewards package, including a comprehensive benefits package for full-time positions and the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least three years of experience processing payroll, including hands-on experience in a Workday environment.
• Proficiency navigating Workday Payroll, including reviewing calculations, validating results, investigating discrepancies, and using payroll reports.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, including earnings, deductions, tax withholding, payroll calculations, and reconciliations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies, interpret payroll data, and resolve routine processing issues.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, data integrity, and quality of work.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage assigned responsibilities independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and drive work to completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies, adapt to changing processes, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

• Experience processing payroll for a multi-state workforce.
• Experience working within a law firm or other professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, and audit assigned attorney and business professional payrolls in Workday in accordance with established guidelines.
• Review and validate payroll calculations and results, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and other payroll-related information.
• Reconcile payroll data across HR, timekeeping, benefits, and other data sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and processing errors, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Prepare and review routine payroll reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare routine payroll journal entries, validate payroll expense coding, and reconcile payroll-related data to support general ledger reporting.
• Ensure payroll processing and recordkeeping comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and complete earnings verification requests in accordance with procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and coordinate payroll-related activities.
• Maintain payroll procedures, process documentation, checklists, and reference materials.
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy and efficiency through Workday functionality and emerging technologies such as AI.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time positions supporting physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
• Competitive compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level