Payroll Specialist

Client: Leading Global Investment Management Firm Role: Payroll Specialist Salary: $70,000-$85,000 plus bonus Location: Midtown Manhattan (3 days/week onsite) Job Description: A Leading Global Investment Management Firm is seeking a meticulous and collaborative professional Payroll Associate to join the US Global Payroll Team. The ideal candidate thrives in high-accountability, fast-paced environments and brings an innovative, forward-thinking mindset to process improvement. They will combine strong analytical skills with an affinity for leveraging technology and AI tools to ensure compliance and maximize operational efficiency. Responsibilities: Multi-State Payroll Processing: Assist with bi-weekly and monthly payroll operations / administration for a multi-state USA environment, ensuring accuracy in taxation, wage reporting, and benefit plan deductions Compliance & Audit: Maintain a “no-compromise approach” to compliance, adhering to FLSA regulations, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls, and company policies. Maintain and enhance process documentation and SOPs Data & Systems: Utilize ADP Vantage, ADP Report Writer, ADP Smart Compliance, Workday HR/HCM, and Workday Time Tracking, to support payroll process, reporting, audits, etc. AI Integration & Efficiency: Leverage AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to draft communications, summarize documents, research payroll regulations, and improve process efficiency Analysis & Reporting: Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint to perform data analysis, create workflow charts, and prepare reports for leadership Collaboration & Communication: Work cross-functionally with HR and Finance, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to handle confidential data with integrity Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or Finance preferred 3+ years' experience of multi-state US payroll and tax required Strong understanding of FLSA, multi-state payroll tax legislation, benefits, SOX and basic accounting principles Proficiency working in Workday and ADP systems Advanced experience in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint with high aptitude for adopting new technology Strong verbal and written communication skills Practical knowledge using Ai tools (e.g., ChatGPT) for research and communication Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.