Senior Payroll Analyst

Stinson Leonard Street Llp•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

This position provides high level support to the payroll team, including ensuring payroll, partner draws and distributions, and special pay arrangements are completed in a timely and accurate manner. The incumbent will be responsible for knowing in detail all aspects of partner, non-partner attorney and staff payroll and will be responsible for processing one (or more) of the payroll cycles semi-monthly, as assigned. The incumbent will support maintenance of the profit-sharing plan and cash balance plan and will also provide support for the annual attorney compensation review process, annual audit, and annual 5500 audit(s).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business, or similar combination of degree & experience.
8+ years' prior experience in payroll.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, as well as experience in accounting/payroll software, e.g., UKG, Elite, Webview; Excel knowledge to include advanced formulaic calculations/functions.
Have the ability to be discreet, maintain confidential information, and use sound judgment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Highly professional with a strong customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Strong professional, independent thinking skills with strength in problem solving and the ability to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions.
A team player who motivates and educates other team members.
Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Nice To Haves

UKG experience preferred.
Law Firm experience preferred.
Large law firm experience a plus.
Partnership accounting experience would be a bonus.

Responsibilities

Semi-Monthly/Monthly Payroll Processing & Administration (45%): As assigned/requested by Senior Payroll Manager: Processing of semi-monthly partner draws, and non-partner attorney (NPA) and staff payrolls; Posting of semi-monthly NPA and staff payrolls to general ledger; Posting of semi-monthly draw and periodic distributions to general ledger; Providing guidance to other team members on reconciling payroll records; research and analyze any issues identified and resolve as necessary. Act as a subject matter expert and/or resource to others in the areas of payroll processing and payroll law. Understand and keep abreast of the current tax requirements, including state, federal and local taxes, complete monthly and quarterly tax reconciliations. Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including monitoring regulatory updates and advising the team when changes are required. Assist with ongoing setup, review and maintenance of the HRIS and timekeeping systems; provide back-up support during other team member absences. Create and maintain standard operating procedures/checklists and ensure that policies and procedures are adhered to. Responsible for maintenance and implementation of special compensation payment arrangements with partners and other attorneys. Supports other payroll team members in processing of assigned payroll cycles, maintenance of time and attendance system, and payments to vendors. Ensures all are completed in an accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Works with payroll team, payroll provider, and Human Resources to identify and implement process and system improvements to payroll processing. Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and outside vendors to ensure accurate processing of compensation adjustments, benefit deductions, retirement plan contributions, and year-end reporting.
Retirement & Cash Balance Plans (20%) Responsible for monitoring Vanguard My Plan Manager daily. Work with Plan Administrator to process non-routine requests. Work with Vanguard to research and correct any payroll discrepancies, loan discrepancies, or plan discrepancies. Answer questions plan participants have regarding the Firm's profit-sharing plan. Requires detailed knowledge of Firm's profit-sharing plan's provisions, Vanguard system, and payroll system (including how all interact with one another). Answer questions plan participants have regarding the Firm's cash balance plan - requires detailed knowledge of cash balance plan platform, plan provisions, and regulations.
Annually/Quarterly (20%) Support and provide data for annual corporate audits. Support and provide data for annual ERISA audit. Support annual worker compensation audit. Manage quarterly tax report reviews and resolve discrepancies. Oversee reconciliation of payroll reports to general ledger accounts.
Reporting, Systems, & Internal Controls (10%) Possess detailed knowledge of reporting capabilities of payroll system, identifying relevant reports; develop and implement processes and procedures for processing and balancing; Produce appropriate data for audits (e.g., workers' compensation, year-end audit and ERISA audit). Support system updates, testing, and enhancements; identify and recommend process improvements to increase accuracy, efficiency, and automation. Maintain strong internal controls and data integrity across payroll systems.
General and Administrative (5%) Provide guidance and training to team members and serve as a backup to the Senior Payroll Manager as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.