Payroll Specialist

McDermott Will & Emery

. Prepare, process, and audit attorney and business professional payrolls in Workday .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $72,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in payroll processing and compliance, with a strong focus on Workday Payroll, payroll calculations, and reconciliations. Proven ability to analyze payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate records while ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Workday Payroll ProficiencyPayroll Processing ExperienceMulti-State Payroll KnowledgeFederal And State Payroll ComplianceAdvanced Microsoft Excel Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingPayroll CalculationsPayroll ReconciliationEarnings VerificationPayroll Journal EntriesData AnalysisTax WithholdingPayroll ReportingProcess DocumentationCompliance Requirements

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailProblem-Solving SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime Management SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

WorkdayMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office

Industry Keywords

Law Firm ExperienceProfessional Services EnvironmentWage And Hour LawsPayroll Tax Regulations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Prepare, process, and audit attorney and business professional payrolls in Workday
Review and validate payroll calculations and results, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and related information
Reconcile payroll data across HR, timekeeping, benefits, and other data sources
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and processing errors
Prepare and review payroll reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation
Prepare payroll journal entries and validate payroll expense coding for general ledger reporting
Ensure payroll processing and recordkeeping comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls
Respond to employee payroll inquiries and complete earnings verification requests
Collaborate with HR, Accounting, and other stakeholders
Maintain payroll procedures, process documentation, checklists, and reference materials
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy using Workday and emerging technologies such as AI

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
At least three (3) years of experience processing payroll, including hands-on experience in a Workday environment
Experience processing payroll for a multi-state workforce preferred
Experience working within a law firm or other professional services environment preferred
Demonstrated proficiency navigating Workday Payroll, including reviewing payroll calculations, validating payroll results, investigating discrepancies, and utilizing payroll reports
Strong understanding of payroll processes, including earnings, deductions, tax withholding, payroll calculations, and reconciliations
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications
Familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, data integrity, and quality of work
Strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new technologies and adapt to changing processes
Ability to handle and maintain confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive total rewards package
Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses
Comprehensive benefits package
Wellness support for physical, emotional, mental, and financial health
Work-life balance support
Career opportunities and career development support
Hybrid work arrangement