Senior Payroll Specialist

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Los Angeles, CA

18d • Hybrid

About The Position

At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story? Join MoFo as a SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST on our Financial Operations team! This role can be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Join a team where precision meets impact. As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring seamless payroll operations across assigned pay cycles—from day-to-day processing to off-cycle runs. You’ll be the go-to person for delivering accurate, timely payroll while maintaining compliance across taxes, PTO, and leave records. Beyond execution, you’ll help elevate the function by troubleshooting issues, supporting teammates, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. If you’re detail-driven, solutions-oriented, and take pride in getting payroll right every time, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) with 6+ years of multi-state and global payroll experience
• Deep knowledge of payroll regulations, including federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
• Strong understanding of multi-state and remote work tax reporting and withholding; expatriate payroll experience preferred
• Experience with integrated business systems, including Ascentis Payroll, WorkForce Software, Workday HCM, and Dayforce HCM
• Working knowledge of GDPR, California, and other applicable data privacy regulations
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to produce accurate, detailed work and partner effectively across teams
• Highly organized and dependable, with strong technical skills (spreadsheets/databases), sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities from start to finish

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification such as APA Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

Responsibilities

• Verify accuracy and reasonability of payroll data from multiple systems (e.g., Workday, 3E, WorkForce) and update the payroll database for non-interface changes
• Ensure all tax forms (e.g., W-4, questionnaires) are properly completed, maintained, and reflected in the payroll system
• Maintain correct wage reporting and tax withholding based on employee status, location, and pay structure
• Apply deep knowledge of payroll policies, pay group rules, and wage and hour regulations to ensure compliant processing
• Process regular and off-cycle payrolls, including auditing, reporting, and filing with a high degree of accuracy
• Administer garnishments end-to-end, including setup, calculations, communications, and payment disbursement
• Manage leave of absence tracking and calculations, applying complex policies and ensuring accurate pay treatment
• Process non-cash benefits, overtime, expenses, and deductions in compliance with firm policies and tax regulations
• Research, reconcile, and support payroll tax compliance, including complex and multi-jurisdictional taxation scenarios
• Provide responsive, confidential support to employees and stakeholders on payroll, tax, and leave-related inquiries while maintaining thorough documentation

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

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