Payroll Analyst - (Flexible Schedule) at Reed Smith LLP

Firm Information

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

Position Summary

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of the Firm’s US employee and partner payrolls, and providing a high level of customer service to employees, partners, vendors, and outside agencies.  This position is also responsible for creating, generating, and distributing various reports and conducting research as requested.  The Payroll Analyst must keep both the Accounting and Human Resources departments advised of significant events and system changes/problems, and must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Essential Functions

• Timely and accurate payroll data entry in the Ceridian and PeopleSoft systems and other utilized software.  Includes balancing via batch totaling and proofreading prior to transmission.
• Provide outstanding, friendly and timely customer service to any partners, employees or co-workers who have questions or issues to be resolved.
• Communicating changes or concerns as appropriate to the Payroll Senior Manager and the Accounting, Human Resources and IT departments, as appropriate.
• Import files for deductions including: MyTime hours for the applicable pay group(s) and/or offices, miscellaneous deductions, personal accounts, parking/mass transit receipts for tax benefit, new hire fisrt pay, terminated employee’s last pay, etc.
• Perform post-transmission auditing tasks, including review of all data entry.  Generate and distribute reports, as needed.
• Process any stop payments, changes of checks and EFTs, reversals or manual checks, as necessary.
• Prepare semi-monthly/monthly short-term disability payments as authorized by Benefits Department.
• Process and monitor wage attachments in a multi-state environment.
• Upload time file from HR’s WorkForce/MyTime program and import into payroll for OT and Additional Straight Time Hours, and Regular Hours for nonexempt and hourly paid employees. Process report of billable overtime for submission to Data Processing Department.
• Answer questions regarding pay including hours, overtime, deductions, direct deposit, severance payments, etc.  Problem-solve issues as appropriate, reporting significant events to the Payroll Senior Manager or HR, as necessary.
• Trouble-shoot and resolve problems with Ceridian and contact Customer Support, as necessary.
• Remain current on Firm policies and procedures, and Federal, state and local payroll laws as they pertain to wage and hour, taxes, benefits, garnishments, 401(k) limits, etc.  Includes knowledge of various state/local regulations in states where the Firm operates in the US.
• Maintain payroll general ledger posting accounts with Ceridian, including creating new accounts as directed by Accounting Department.
• Provide requested salary information to courts for pending or on-going child support orders or other wage garnishments.
• Perform necessary tax adjustments to ensure accuracy of W-2s, generating corrected W-2s, as necessary.
• Assist Accounting Department in reconciling payroll discrepancies in the general ledger.
• Conduct research and prepare various reports, as requested.
• Generate check requests for payments to vendors, taxing authorities, etc. in a timely manner.
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned including being cross-trained to cover for other members of the department during absences.

Job functions included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job functions at any time.

Requirements

Education: Degree and/or certification in a payroll, accounting, or other financial discipline preferred.  Active membership in and/or CPP certification from American Payroll Association is a plus.

Experience: 1-2 years payroll/accounting experience.  Multi-state payroll experience required.  Experience/familiarity with Ceridian Dayforce and/or PeopleSoft is also required.  Prior work experience in a service environment or law firm setting is a plus.

Skills:Extensive knowledge of PCs and the Microsoft Office suite (primarily Word and Excel).  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work with individuals at all organizational levels.  Possess a customer focus and have a track record of providing the highest level of customer service.  Able to organize and prioritize issues and workload.  Good decision maker and proven ability to manage time, people, and resources in order to meet deadlines.  Demonstrated ability to manage projects and handle multiple competing priorities.  Flexibility and ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment To Be Used:  Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Typical Physical Demands: Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment.

Typical Mental Demands: Able to work effectively in a fast paced environment.  Make judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations.  Grasp and apply new ideas.  Communicate with various personalities at all levels.

Working Conditions: You will be required to work in the office at minimum 2 days per week. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.  Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule.

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.

 Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.

Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only.  No search firms.