Law Firm Payroll Manager

About Us

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and nearly 750 attorneys who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro-bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome's culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our commitment to our core values and dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment allows the firm to attract and retain the brightest in the industry.

Job Overview

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing all payroll operations, including the preparation, and entry of payroll data for both semi-monthly and monthly cycles. This role entails maintaining accurate records, generating tax and deduction reports, auditing payroll documentation, and preparing year-end tax filings for approximately 1,200 employees and partners across multiple states. Additionally, the Payroll Manager will supervise and provide guidance to the Payroll Specialist.

This role has a remote working arrangement. Potential candidates must reside within one of the 10 states in which we have a physical office. In this role, you will report to the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions

• Oversee and ensure accurate payroll processing for all partners and employees, including but not limited to draws, salaries, overtime, bonuses, and special payments.
• Manage, train and mentor Payroll Specialist to ensure efficient and accurate workflow.
• Process new hires, terminations, and benefits according to state laws and requirements.
• Administer on-demand payments as needed.
• Process monthly new hire reporting.
• Process garnishments, child support, and levies as required by law.
• Review and balance tax filing information for each period. Responsible for all quarterly and annual federal, state, and local tax reporting.
• Prepare semi-monthly and monthly reports.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local payroll, wage and hour laws and regulations, as well as established company policies, and advise on legislative changes.
• Set up new state and/or state unemployment and local tax accounts when required.
• Document all payroll transactions and keep records secure for audit and reporting needs.
• Review retirement plan contribution changes and deferrals and process the RSP semi-monthly and monthly funding.
• Respond to inquiries related to payroll inquiries, in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage the annual year-end W-2 reconciliation process, ensuring complete accuracy and timeliness.
• Facilitate workers compensation annual audits by providing records and documentation as requested.
• Complete all employment verifications for all employees.
• Manage payroll software and systems, resolve technical issues, and collaborate with the Director of Human Resources to implement updates and enhancements.
• Ensure service delivery quality for all processes and procedures, keeping third parties accountable if necessary.
• Works closely with finance and ensures accurate integration to GL.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve payroll processes by incorporating best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy, while also assisting in the development and execution of personnel policies and procedures.
• Create and manage the payroll budget.
• Conduct new manager Workday training related to time and attendance.
• Provide troubleshooting and support for payroll and time tracking system users.
• Respond to inquiries related to payroll inquiries, in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
• Work additional hours as needed to fulfill job requirements.

The above essential functions represent the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion.

Skills/Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in payroll processing, supervisory experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in finance/accounting or related field preferred. CPP certification is preferred.
• Workday HRIS and Payroll processing experience is required.
• ADP tax filing experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of federal and state wage payment and tax laws.
• Client service oriented and able to effectively interface with and respond to attorneys at levels, finance, business professionals and outside vendors.
• Experience in a legal environment or professional services preferred.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to develop positive working relationships (in-person and virtually).
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Accurate, precise, and follows up regularly and appropriately.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize workload, and multitask accordingly.
• Comfortable and competent with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective organizational skills.
• Proven problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Unquestioned integrity and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Proficient in web-based conference call/web-sharing applications.

General Expectations

• Promote positive work habits, including effective and timely communication, teamwork, and demonstrating respect for colleagues.
• Contribute to providing the highest quality of service to internal and external clients.
• Take appropriate initiative and ownership of job responsibilities while ensuring the assignments/job duties are performed successfully and on time.
• Understand and abide by firm policies and embrace firm values.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and work regularly scheduled hours.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time, type, and handle light lifting (files, copy paper, etc.) in a professional office environment.
• Comply with safe work practices including compliance with the firm's COVID-19 policies and safety measures.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $140,000. Actual salaries will depend on a candidate's geographic location, relevant experience, and skillset. The salary range listed is just one component of Blank Rome's total compensation package for employees. Other monetary rewards include annual discretionary bonuses based on performance and profit-sharing contributions based on eligibility and firm profitability.

In addition, Blank Rome provides a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life, accident, and disability insurance plans. The firm also provides the opportunity to participate in 401(k) retirement benefits, commuter benefits, and well-being programs.

EEO Statement

Blank Rome is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or any other status protected by law.

Our core values of respect for the individual, the community, and the law are clearly demonstrated in our ability to recruit and develop a diverse group of exceptionally talented attorneys and business professionals who enable us to best serve our clients and our communities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120, $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote