Payroll Manager

Overview:

Manages payroll operations, ensuring compliance and implementation of the firm’s mission and strategic values. Possesses strong leadership and communication skills, a flexible attitude, ability to solve problems and ability to foster effective internal client relationships. Manages the firm’s resources (people, processes and tools) and assignments with proficiency, fluency and aptitude. Endorses the firm’s values by personally influencing resources, innovation and communication.

Responsibilities:

• Manages day-to-day payroll operations, including payroll processing, garnishment, taxes and compliance.
• Manages payroll analysis and work product.
• Ensures payroll is closed accurately by performing all data collection, reconciliation and application of payroll policies for area of responsibility.
• Inputs payroll for both US and international; collaborates with HR and Benefits to update employee records as needed; works with Treasury to ensure that payroll and related liabilities are funded.
• Audits integration results.
• Audits US and International payrolls regularly.
• Creates EIBs and runs Workday integrations.
• Conducts US and international payroll audits, and approves US and international payrolls.
• Funds US and international payroll, uploads ACH file, processes payment for tax, benefits and employee payments.
• Ensures data integrity in the payroll system and in the systems that impact payroll.
• Manages vendor relationships for US and international payroll.
• Manages and oversees the global year-end payroll processing.
• Collaborates with HR to assist in Workday upgrades and enhancement testing as needed.
• Validates employee wage and tax information for year-end processing.
• Generates accounting reports and schedule; resolves any inquiries from GL team.
• Resolves issues regarding employee timesheets and pay checks and escalates issues as needed to leaders to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Prepares annual cash forecast.
• Audits HR transactions and collaborates with the HR team on respective items.
• Conducts 401(k) audit, worker compensation audit and general liability audits in collaboration with respective teams.
• Identifies and analyzes opportunities for process improvement to enhance strategic objectives globally and firmwide.
• Assists with non-discrimination testing.
• Collaborates with HR to produce annual employee total compensation statements with accuracy and comprehensive information.
• Carries out annual bonus schedule as directed and generates annual compensation statements in collaboration with respective teams and as directed by firm leaders.
• Carries out annual salary schedule and generates annual salary letters in collaboration with respective teams and as directed by firm leaders.
• Directs tax invoices and/or notices to OSV (SUI Rates, Statement Notifications, Quarterly Filing).
• Assists with year-end adjustments.
• Generates accounting reports and schedule; resolves any inquiries from GL team.
• Oversees and prepares contribution data files with team.
• Collaborates with US and international payroll vendors.
• Responds to government agencies regarding employee verifications as needed.
• Documents and maintains payroll procedures.
• Reviews and continually improves payroll processing with the key objective to simplify, standardize and build capacity on the team.
• Communicates with all levels of the organization effectively by responding in a timely manner and providing strong customer service.
• Models and holds others accountable to the firm’s cultural values, including a commitment to quality, innovation, learning and growth.
• Oversees and actively invests in the professional development of staff through mentoring, performance management and career planning.
• Leads efforts in attracting, training, retaining, growing and recognizing diverse talent.
• Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment.
• Fosters and maintains a collaborative professional working relationship with the project team, including promoting communication and creating approachability.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
• Applies skills to minimize risks, maximize value and seeks means to improve efficiencies and reduce costs while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Responsible for the financial implications of overhead and chargeable time, including accountability to project plan and planned utilization rate.
• May assist in identifying, maintaining and cultivating essential relationships.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Typically with 10+ years of experience in a payroll function.
• Experience in MS Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Experience in Deltek Vision and Workday preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate process improvements and productivity enhancements with the Finance/Accounting team.
• Experience in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff.
• Strong work ethic and eagerness to produce high quality, accurate results.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.
• Proven ability to operate comfortably and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Ability to hold sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to problem solve and apply appropriate solutions.
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work.
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality.

The information contained in this job description is intended to serve as a minimum requirement and guideline — not as a guarantee — for promotion to this level. Some additional criteria, qualifications or expectations may be required by service, sector or practice group.

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran