Payroll Systems Manager

Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of a exempt Payroll Systems Manager to join its St. Louis office. With over 450 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, fast-paced, and inclusive environment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Payroll Systems Manager leads end to end payroll processing for employees and partners across multiple states, including administering and configuring payroll and time keeping systems, maintaining data integrity, and managing system integrations to ensure accurate and timely payroll. This role requires proficiency in UKG and the ability to manage payroll processes in accordance with Firm policies and applicable law and regulations. After an initial period of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule. Key Responsibilities Leads end-to-end, payroll processing for employees and partners across multiple states, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Analyzes current payroll and time keeping system technology, configuration, data integrity, and processes to ensure systems and processes are accurately configured and compliant, supporting an efficient and error-free payroll process.Recommends and implements related changes. Oversees use of the time keeping system to ensure hours logged by employees are reasonable and follow firm guidelines.Provides training and support to employees and managers on time card management and timecard approvals. Supervises, supports and maintains data architecture related to all payroll processes, including but not limited to data stored and utilized within payroll and time keeping systems, as well as the Firm’s billing system. Partners with Senior HR Technology Manager to establish system integrations. Once established, ensures system integrations and data flows between platforms are functioning accurately and works to resolve any errors. Administers, configures, and optimizes time keeping system and the system’s payroll process to comply with applicable laws and firm policies, including PTO and leave of absence accrual set up. Identifies and implements opportunities for automation and workflow improvements and applies changes to applicable system configurations. Provides performance-related coaching and feedback to direct report(s).Formally reviews and evaluates the performance and work of team member(s); prepares performance evaluations and recommends compensation adjustments. Documents, updates and communicates procedures, known issues or workarounds to users as well as provides general user support for time keeping and payroll process. Researches and resolves payroll related problems/issues. Assists with compliance with TC policy, relevant legislation, annual audits and regulations. Assists benefits group various items including but not limited to proration of benefit premiums, benefit billings and dependent care enrollment. Collaborates with Human Resources and Business Office team members in support of projects and system changes, as required. Prepare monthly FTE reports. Responds to ad hoc payroll related requests including but not limited to surveys, research projects and other special projects as assigned. Helps maintain data integrity in all systems by running queries, performing audits, analyzing data, and implementing automated validation rules where feasible. Managing payroll technology related projects as assigned, including system upgrades, implementations, migrations, and vendor evaluations. Routinely reviews (at least quarterly) the Business Processes and Procedures as outlined in the Business Office Home Page and makes updates to accurately reflect the most current and accepted method to execute the processes and procedures for which they are responsible. Evaluates emerging payroll technologies, tools, and vendor offerings; presents recommendations for system enhancements to leadership. Develops and maintains payroll reporting dashboards and analytics to support data-driven decision-making by Finance and HR leadership. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking state-of-the-art practices and participating in professional organizations. Works with Senior Director, Finance and CFO in identifying payroll and timekeeping technology trends, evaluating new system capabilities, and proactively seeking ways to improve current processes and maximize efficiency within the payroll function through technology solutions. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required Ability to successfully administer, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize UKG or other vendor provided payroll and timekeeping software, including managing system updates, testing new features, and resolving technical issues. Ability to support the Firm’s multi-state monthly and semi-monthly payroll processes. Demonstrated ability to manage payroll system implementations, upgrades, or migrations, including requirements gathering, testing, and change management. Familiarity with data integration methods (e.g., file-based imports/exports, APIs, middleware) between payroll and other enterprise systems such as HRIS, benefits, and general ledger platforms. Knowledge of payroll data security best practices, access controls, and audit trail management within payroll technology platforms. Ability to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above average critical thinking skills. Experience And Education Qualifications Associates Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field required; Bachelors Degree preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of multi-state payroll experience is required, with at least two (2) years focused on payroll and time keeping system administration, configuration, or implementation. Knowledge of and experience utilizing UKG’s payroll and timekeeping software is preferred. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus. Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees: Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance Life Insurance & ADD policies Short & Long Term Disability Insurance Paid Parental Leave 401(k) Profit Sharing plans Parking/Transportation Stipend Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums and medical reimbursement) Paid Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans) Long Term Care Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V