Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Manager atUL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office. The Payroll Manager is responsible for the oversight and compliance of payroll, payroll taxes, time and attendance, and related systems and processes. This role will ensure accuracy in all aspects of payroll functions for UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE).

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the Payroll Manager, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Oversee all aspects of in-house payroll processing for US in accordance with federal, state, and local legislation, corporate policies, and industry best practices, adhering to the payroll schedule to ensure paychecks are issued accurately and on time.

• Manage and maintain HRIS and employee data relating to payroll including earnings codes, tax locations, wage attachments, garnishments, deductions, and time and attendance system to ensure accuracy of all payroll related records.

• Oversee that all necessary payroll-related government reports and tax filings are performed in compliance with federal, state, and local tax codes, including filing and payment of tax withholding and various other government reporting, both domestic and international.

• Manage International Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll vendor(s), including SOW renewals

• Lead and manage Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist to ensure accurate and timely and accurate completion of payroll processing, resolving complex payroll discrepancies and ensuring compliance.

• Manage 401(k) contributions funding and reconciliation, support annual audits and compliance reporting, including filing Form 5500.

• Stay abreast of changing laws and best practices to inform process improvement and maintenance of systems integration, technology, and legal compliance.

• Collaborate with the finance department and employee benefits team to ensure accurate allocations relating to payroll.

• Establish and maintain employee centric payroll operation that includes development of self-service resources, proactive communications and prompt response to employee questions and requests.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll-related audits and payroll/accounting reconciliations.

• Create and maintain written procedures for all Payroll department functions.

• Provide information, reports, and analysis to management and/or internal audit as requested.

• Contribute to and/or lead other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of payroll compliance and administration, payroll best practices, federal and state payroll and tax regulations, and legal requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to accurately maintain a payroll system, time and attendance, and HRIS, including the ongoing maintenance of system configurations to align with HR processes.

• Positive and collaborative interpersonal skills to work effectively with leaders and colleagues across the organization.

• Exceptional process and project management skills, with the ability to balance day-to-day activities and implementation of processes with specific deadlines.

• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.  Ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and work in collaboration with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.

• Sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive information and situations with discretion and confidentiality, utilizing policies and procedures to guide appropriate action.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong customer service skills with a focus on employee experience.

• Strong proficiency in MS Office with advanced skills in Excel.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, accounting, finance or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 6 years of experience administering payroll processes, with at least 2 years as the primary/lead person on the team. 

• Basic knowledge of employee benefits practices and procedures.

• Experience processing payroll in Canada and/or other international payrolls is a plus. 

• Experience in professional services or non-profit organizations is preferred.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is preferred.

• Experience with Workday is a plus.

Salary Range:

Pay type: