Payroll Administrator

Finance --> Payroll and Accounts Payable

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

About the Role

The Payroll Administrator will assist with overseeing the Firm’s Payroll functions, ensuring that pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with all government regulations.

What You Will Be Doing

• Responsible for accurately processing the biweekly and monthly payrolls, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local wage and hour laws.
• Process payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Identify and resolve issues when processing payroll.
• Audit payroll transactions and reports ensuring accuracy of data to source and correcting incorrect data.
• Calculate and process retroactive pay, payroll adjustments, and of-cycle payments as needed.
• Support Human Resources with employment verification requests by providing accurate payroll and employment information.
• Responsible for preparing, reconciling, auditing, and sending payroll reports to various departments.
• Responsible for all monthly payroll journal entries sent to G/L group.
• Support month end and quarterly reviews, reconciliations, and reporting as needed.
• Prepare ad hoc reports for management and auditors as needed.
• Assists with resolving errors and responding to inquiries.
• Assists with interpreting & implementing IRS rules and regulations along with internal policies related to payroll. Aids in identifying/recommending updates to payroll software, systems, and procedures.
• Assists with coordinating quarter-end and year-end activities including payroll reconciliations and Form W-2 Review.
• Document and maintain payroll procedures and recommend improvements to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.
• Provides back up support to Payroll Manager and Payroll and Systems Administration Supervisor.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism, delivering high-quality service, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented (“can-do”) approach. Effectively supports internal departments, external clients, and vendors through clear, courteous communication via electronic correspondence, telephone, and in-person interactions.

Required Skills

What You Will Bring to This Position

• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail, including the ability to delegate and prioritize required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to payroll required.
• Strong multi-state payroll experience along with payroll tax laws and reporting requirements required.
• Ability to work in fast paced deadline driven environment required.
• Ability to effectively communicate issues required.
• Remains open to technological change as generative AI becomes more integrated into the firm’s practice, actively develop comfort with new tools, and adapt how work is performed to support efficiency and innovation.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role required.
• Experience with ADP Products: Vantage, Time, Report Writer, and General Ledger preferred.
• Strong background with systems set up, maintenance and administration preferred.
• Prior Law Firm experience preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred or related work experience in similar role required.
• CPP Payroll certification preferred.

Why Join Us?

• A values‑driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect
• This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options
• Paid time off and holidays
• For additional information about our benefits, please click here

Our Commitment

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

For more information about Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here.

#L1-KB1

#L1-Hybrid

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.