Senior Payroll Accountant

The role:
Senior Accountant - Payroll
Morningstar is looking for a Payroll Senior Accountant, who will play an integral role in all aspects of the US Payroll; including, payroll processing, journal entries, account reconciliations, Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance, automation and process improvements. This full-time position reports to the Accounting Manager- Payroll and is based in our Chicago office.
Responsibilities:

• Process all aspects of payroll for semi-monthly (3,500 employees and 8 legal entities)
• Audit data integration files from various systems to ensure appropriate data transfer of payroll related information.
• Validate all payroll entries, including earnings, deductions and changes from Workday (HR System) and reconcile and resolve any discrepancies as necessary.
• Liaise with HR stakeholders to facilitate accurate payroll processing.
• Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Resolve payroll issues and efficiently communicate to all parties involved.
• Assist with payroll related audits including 401k, internal and external audits.
• Assist in troubleshooting, problem-solving, automating and improving payroll processes.
• Participate in periodic SOX compliance, ownership and design of internal controls and process maps.
• Liaise with ADP Client Service Representative to resolve system issues and create best practices.
• Review and maintain Quarterly and Year-End ADP Payroll Tax Reports.
• Stay current on the latest regulatory changes with respect to payroll, expatriate payroll, paid family leave, stock option exercises, restricted stock grants, and relocation packages.

Qualifications:

• Five to seven years of Payroll experience.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Certified Payroll Professional designation is a plus.
• Strong experience in process improvements and project management.
• Working knowledge of accounting processes and internal controls.
• Customer-service-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• A high degree of reliability.
• Knowledge of ADP payroll software, Workday and Oracle Financials a plus.

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.