Payroll Accountant II

Overview

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future. We offer exceptional opportunities for our people;

opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients. Whether you re helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel.

We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

ROLE PURPOSE
Process all aspects of semi-monthly payroll for all U.S. admin staff and U.S. track legal staff, including expatriates (i.e. globally). This includes inputting data for new hires, terminations, salary increases, overtime payments, bonus payments, tax forms, etc. Liaise with associates and administrative staff on payroll-related items.

• Calculate and input data for all new hires, terminations, leaves of absences, benefit deductions, rate changes, retro pay, timesheets, misc. adjustments, expenses, etc.
• Process state and federal tax forms, along with other payroll related forms.
• Review payroll output for accuracy and ensure timely processing.
• Process information for salary verifications, unemployment claims and mortgage verifications.
• Process bonus payrolls with a clear understanding of bonus and supplemental taxes.
• Responsible for recording, reconciling, and disbursement of garnishments using WGPS.
• Review and upload Benefits files for accuracy with each payroll.
• Input taxes for expatriate employees. Administer wire transfers, obtain banking information, calculate portion to be wired.
• Prepare funding for payrolls, including funding taxes as well as check and direct deposit payments.
• Upload expatriate payments for housing and Cost of Living allowances.
• Work with Global Mobility and audit information provided for all expatriates.
• Create and run custom ADP reports.
• Respond timely and professionally to questions concerning paychecks, miscellaneous employee inquiries.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current payroll processing concerns of a payroll within an international law firm.
• Timely filing of all payroll data after processing.
• Research any historical information as needed.
• Consult with ADP to resolve system problems and have the ability to follow specific verbal instructions over the phone.
• Provide W-2 breakdowns to a third-party advisor for associates and complete special projects.
• At year end, process gross ups for bar fees, printers, employee taxable gifts, etc., so that W-2s can be updated.
• Assist with providing banking balance, transaction details, daily review of Positive Pay and direct deposit rejections to Treasury Services.
• Assist with payroll audits and other assigned duties.

• Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Strong mathematical skills.
• Must be a team player.
• Excel skills, focusing on formatting and data validation & analysis. i.e., vlookups, if statements, pivot tables.
• Ability to multi-task, remain professional under pressure, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must have the ability to work through variance between the GL and payroll each month.
• Must stay informed about and comply with updates to federal, state, and local wage and tax laws.

• 2-year associate degree or 4 equivalent years of experience using ADP or equivalent system such as Ceridian. (ADP preferred).
• 1 - 3 years of processing a multi-state payroll. Having global payroll experience is a plus.
• Prior experience with Smart Compliance (ADP), pervious quarter adjustments, and W-2C s a plus.
• Experience handling an expatriate payroll preferred.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to address system issues or increased workloads, which may involve overtime, including on non-business days.

A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer, including Veterans and Disability. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual s relationship with A& Shearman, including, without limitation, recruitment,…