Payroll Coordinator

Dentons US LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Dentons US LLP in Chicago is seeking a Payroll Coordinator to support all Firm personnel. The role reports to the Associate Director, People Systems and involves processing various payroll cycles for US employees, validating changes, and maintaining payroll records.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of payroll experience, familiarity with UKG Pro, and strong Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP). Excellent communication and teamwork are essential for success in a deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of payroll experience, ideally in a law firm or professional services.
• UKG Pro system experience is preferred.
• Microsoft Excel experience, Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP.
• Effective and professional communication skills and follow-through with employees at all levels.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking and analytical skills.
• Ability to perform successfully in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work effectively with a team.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll, including wage calculations, adjustments and deductions for US employees.
• Validate employee change requests: new hires, transfers, promotions, terminations and leave of absence.
• Process voids, manual checks, wage attachments, tax adjustments/fallouts, and garnishments.
• Work within the HRIS system and the HR team to ensure accurate implementation of changes related to employee profile.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including personal information, tax withholdings, 401K and direct deposit details.
• Work with UKG Pro on payroll related issues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll inquiries from employees.
• Process year-end—assist in year-end information and W-2s distribution.
• Monitor and maintain department standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidential payroll records per regulations and firm guidelines.
• Stay updated on payroll software and process improvements.
• Assist in ad-hoc HR and Payroll projects.

Skills

Payroll processing

Communication

Organizational

Deadline oriented

Teamwork

Tools

UKG Pro

Microsoft Excel

Pivot Tables

VLOOKUP

Job description

Dentons US LLP is currently recruiting for a Payroll Coordinator to be resident in our Chicago office. Reporting to the Associate Director, People Systems, this role supports all Firm personnel.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll, including wage calculations, adjustments and deductions for US employees.
• Validate employee change requests: such as new hires, transfers, promotions, terminations and leave of absence.
• Process voids, manual checks, wage attachments, tax adjustments/fallouts, and garnishments.
• Work within the HRIS system and the HR team to ensure accurate implementation of changes related to employee profile.
• Manage and maintain accurate employee payroll records, including personal information, tax withholdings, 401K and direct deposit details.
• Work with UKG Pro on payroll related issues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for all employee payroll related inquiries, questions and issues.
• Process year-end—assist in the accurate processing of year-end information, including the preparation and distribution of W-2s.
• Monitor and maintain department and firm standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintaining highly confidential employee payroll records and information in accordance with federal and state regulations and firm guidelines.
• Stay updated on payroll software and process improvements.
• Assist in ad-hoc HR and Payroll projects as required.
• Other duties as assigned to fully meet the requirements of the position.

Experience & Qualifications

• 1-3 years of Payroll experience, ideally within a law firm or professional services.
• UKG Pro system experience is preferred.
• Microsoft Excel experience, proficient in Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP.
• Effective and professional communication skills and follow-through with employees of all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking and analytical skills.
• Ability to perform successfully in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work effectively with a team.