Senior Payroll Associate

About the role

Chartis is seeking a Senior Payroll Associate to support the accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll across our organization. In this role, you will help manage recurring payroll processes, review payroll data for accuracy, resolve payroll-related questions, and partner closely with internal teams and external payroll providers to ensure a smooth payroll experience for Chartis colleagues. You will own the execution of biweekly non-exempt, multi-jurisdictional payroll cycles while providing critical support for semi-monthly, multi-jurisdictional payrolls as requested by the Payroll Manager. This position requires a proactive owner who can independently review and audit timecard submissions, payroll inputs, wage adjustments, employee changes, tax updates, deductions, earnings, and other payroll transactions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance. You will serve as a key point of contact, managing the firm's payroll mailbox by responding to colleague inquiries, researching payroll issues, and escalating complex matters as needed to maintain a seamless experience. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to process off-cycle and on-demand payrolls strictly in accordance with firm policies, payroll deadlines, and applicable compliance requirements while preparing, reconciling, and distributing payroll-related reports. You will also play a strategic partner role with Talent Operations, Finance, and external payroll providers on payroll-related audits, reconciliations, projects, and process improvements that strengthen the overall payroll integrity of the organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

Process biweekly non-exempt, multi-jurisdictional payrolls and assist the Payroll Manager with semi-monthly, multi-jurisdictional payrolls, including preparation, review, reconciliation, and issue resolution.

Review and audit timecard submissions, payroll inputs, wage adjustments, employee changes, tax updates, deductions, earnings, and other payroll transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Manage the firm's payroll mailbox by responding to colleague inquiries, researching payroll issues, and escalating complex matters as needed.

Process off-cycle and on-demand payrolls in accordance with firm policies, payroll deadlines, and applicable compliance requirements.

Prepare, reconcile, and distribute payroll-related reports, and maintain accurate payroll records in accordance with firm policies, internal controls, and record retention requirements.

Support payroll tax compliance and year-end payroll activities, including ADP SmartCompliance review, tax notices, W-2 validation, corrections, and related follow-up items.

Partner with Talent Operations, Finance, and external payroll providers on payroll-related audits, reconciliations, projects, and process improvements.

Serve as a trusted point of contact for colleagues needing guidance on payroll policies, procedures, and changes impacting their compensation.

Champion the use of Workday Payroll and Time Tracking (PATT) and leverage ADP SmartCompliance where applicable to enhance accuracy and control.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying payroll process gaps and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to implement solutions that increase efficiency and reduce risk.

Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive compensation, tax, and personal data in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.

Demonstrate strong ownership by meeting recurring payroll deadlines while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.

Utilize analytical skills to investigate and resolve payroll anomalies, ensuring timely corrections and clear communication with affected stakeholders.

Contribute to the ongoing evolution of payroll best practices by documenting processes and sharing insights gained from complex payroll scenarios.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

4+ years of payroll experience, including hands-on experience processing multi-jurisdictional payrolls; experience in a professional services or multi-entity environment preferred.

Workday Payroll and Time Tracking (PATT) experience required.

Experience with ADP SmartCompliance strongly preferred.

Strong understanding of payroll practices, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and federal, state, and local payroll compliance.

Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities and meet recurring deadlines required.

Strong communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment.

Certified Payroll Professional designation preferred.

Practical notes

Salary range: $70,000-90,000, plus may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications, practice area, and other business and organizational needs. In addition, Chartis offers several benefits including medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) match, paid time off, wellness stipend, and additional voluntary benefits.

At Chartis, we pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce. We value and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and the different perspectives they provide. We offer equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, or protected veteran status.