Senior Payroll Specialist

Baker Botts, a full-service, leading international law firm recognized for our understanding of the industries we serve, is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to join the Human Resources department. The purpose of this position is to process bi-weekly payroll. This position will also be the main point of contact for ad-hoc payroll related report requests, audits and the primary back-up for payroll tax. The Senior Payroll Specialist will contribute to payroll process improvements and should require minimum supervision. This is a Firmwide, non-exempt position, resident in our Houston or New York offices with excellent benefits.

Other positions with which this position has close working relationship:

Human Resources Department, Benefits Department and Financial Services Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll

• Prepare payroll for employees in domestic offices on a bi-weekly basis; calculate and enter any necessary earnings or deduction adjustments directly into ADP Vantage.
• Prepare off-cycle payments.
• Assist with testing and data validation required when modifications are made to HRIS, or any software program associated with payroll processes.
• Handle GL mapping issues and mapping new payroll codes to the GL accounts.
• Support leadership with various ad-hoc analyses and management reporting.
• Import non-exempt employee exception time and part-time actual time via interface from time and attendance system; audit all imports to ascertain proper earnings information was loaded.
• Enter and maintain all special firm-related employee voluntary deductions (for example, HERO, United Way, and other charitable contributions) and closely coordinate with Financial Services for payment of designated contributions.
• Prepare various monthly department of labor reports.
• Assist the Manager in devising the processes and controls needed to operate effectively while managing risk.
• Process vendor payments.
• Assist with annual preparation and audit of bonus and salary increase information.
• Extensive contact in person, via phone and email with lawyers, staff and vendors.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Payroll Taxes/Audits

• Help oversee payroll tax with third party vendor, ensuring compliance with all applicable tax laws.
• Keep up to date on any payroll tax withholding or payroll related legislative changes.
• Act as a point of contact for any internal or external related audits.
• Ensure payroll and tax documents are accurate including amendments.
• Process and distribute all wage withholding and child support orders.
• Support year-end and quarterly reviews including reviewing the quarterly tax verification letter from ADP.

Core Competencies

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong work ethic and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work well with internal and external clients.
• Strong organizational skills, problem solving skills and attention to detail; and
• Customer service focused.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree and 5-7 years of prior work experience in domestic payroll (international payroll is a plus), or, if non-degreed, some college and 5 plus years of related work experience.
• Strong payroll systems knowledge.
• Experienced with payroll compliance and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to multi-task and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills.
• Well organized and detailed oriented; focus on accuracy is critical.
• Must be a self-starter who is able to work in a fast-paced environment, remain flexible, work independently and complete multiple projects within established deadlines, while adhering to various standards relative to confidentiality of information.
• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritizing skills.

Preferred

• Highly energetic and results oriented, committed to high standards of performance.
• Experience with ADP Vantage or other ADP Payroll modules strongly preferred.
• Experience in a law firm or other professional services firm also preferred.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift loaded boxes of files weighing approximately 15 pounds from high shelves in Payroll File Room.  This requires ability to climb ladder.
• Must be able to routinely lift and carry file folders weighing up to 5 pounds.
• Must be able to work at a computer continuously for at least for 1 hour without a break.
• Must be able to lift, squat, kneel and bend.
• Must be able to climb on stepladder to file or access files.

Working Condition and Environment

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office environment.
• This position is a full-time position requiring a 5-day work week and standard hours as outlined in the firm policy manual. Must be flexible to work additional hours when necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Substantial additional hours are often required between the months of November through January. 
• Discretionary use of Paid Time Off between the months of November through January may be restricted based on work demands.
• Ability to work well in high pressure environments.
• Must be able to perform essential duties of the position with time constraints and frequent interruptions.
• This role may be hybrid and will require a minimum of three days per week (or at least 60%) present in the office, and up to two days per week (40%) may be performed remotely.

For positions based in the NYC office of Baker Botts L.L.P., the salary range is $44.00 to $66.00 per hour.

Baker Botts L.L.P.  is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.