Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Whitemore James Black is proud to partner with a prestigious, global law firm seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join their high-performing finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced, sophisticated environment and wants to work with one of the world’s leading legal practices.

About the Role

You will own end-to-end payroll processing for a complex, multi-state, and multi-country employee population. Working closely with the firm’s finance and HR teams, you’ll ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while supporting strategic initiatives and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

•  Process semi-monthly and monthly payroll for US and international employees

•  Manage payroll for complex compensation structures, including bonuses, equity, and expatriate assignments

•  Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, as well as international payroll requirements

•  Reconcile payroll accounts, prepare journal entries, and support month-end close

•  Handle year-end processes including W-2s, 1099s, and tax reporting

•  Partner with HR on benefits administration, new-hire onboarding, and employee data changes

•  Resolve payroll inquiries and provide exceptional support to employees and leadership

•  Identify and implement process improvements and system enhancements

Qualifications

•  4+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a professional services or law firm environment

•  Strong knowledge of US multi-state payroll and tax compliance

•  International payroll experience is a significant plus

•  Proficiency with payroll systems (experience with Dayforce, Workday, or similar is preferred)

•  High attention to detail with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

•  Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

•  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; CPP certification a plus

What the Firm Offers

•  Competitive base salary up to $145,000 (DOE and location)

•  Excellent benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match

•  Generous PTO and paid holidays

•  Professional development opportunities in a global organization

•  Collaborative, collegial culture with high-caliber colleagues

Location: Hybrid or office-based in either San Francisco or Los Angeles (please indicate your preference when applying).

If you are a payroll expert who excels in accuracy, compliance, and service, we want to hear from you!

To apply:

Please submit your resume in response to this posting.: All inquiries are handled with complete confidentiality.

Whitemore James Black is a boutique legal search and staffing firm based in California. We specialize in the placement of attorneys, paralegals, law firm administrators, executive assistants, legal secretaries, and support staff. Our recruiters each have over a decade of experience and work with the very best law firms and companies.

Company Description

Whitemore James Black is a boutique legal search and staffing firm based in California. We specialize in the placement of attorneys, paralegals, law firm administrators, executive assistants, legal secretaries, and support staff. Our recruiters each have over a decade of experience and work with the very best law firms and companies.