Senior Payroll Specialist — Remote & Multi-State Compliance

WERC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Arnold & Porter is a global law firm seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end processing of all U.S. payrolls, including multi-state payrolls, tax elections, and deductions. This role partners with HR, Benefits, and Accounting in a fast-paced professional environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of payroll experience, CPP preferred, UKG expertise, and advanced Excel skills. Remote work is possible in a firm-approved U.S. state, with discretionary bonus potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in accounting/finance or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive payroll experience.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.
• CPP preferred; FPC accepted.
• Experience with multi-state payroll and tax compliance.
• Proficient with UKG (Kronos/Ultimate Software) or similar HRIS.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end processing of all U.S. payrolls, including multi-state payrolls.
• Review and approve employee tax elections and deductions.
• Analyze payroll data to resolve discrepancies before processing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws.
• Support payroll audits and maintain audit-ready records.
• Prepare payroll workpapers and reconciliations for each cycle.
• Coordinate with HR on salary changes, leave, onboarding, and terminations.
• Collaborate with Benefits and Accounting to ensure accurate payroll deductions.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and explain calculations clearly.
• Stay current on payroll regulations and FLSA requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Project management

Client service mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

UKG/Kronos

Excel advanced

Job description

Arnold & Porter is a global law firm seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end processing of all U.S. payrolls, including multi-state payrolls, tax elections, and deductions. This role partners with HR, Benefits, and Accounting in a fast-paced professional environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of payroll experience, CPP preferred, UKG expertise, and advanced Excel skills. Remote work is possible in a firm-approved U.S. state, with discretionary bonus potential.