Payroll Tax Analyst

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative, and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Global HRIS department in our Chicago office as a Payroll Tax Analyst.

As a member of the US Payroll team, the Tax Analyst is responsible for the day to day payroll tax administration in ADP Vantage, ensuring that all federal, state and local taxes are processed and maintained in compliance with all relevant jurisdictions.  The Tax Analyst liaises with the appropriate firm Finance and Accounting teams and the ADP Tax team ensuring compliance and timely reporting.

Essential Functions: 

• Participates in the audit analysis of pre and post payroll transmission to ADP to ensure compliance with tax agencies as well as company policies
• Participates in the post payroll balancing processes
• Assists manager in year-end reporting requirements and managing the W-2 project
• Reconciles Quarterly Tax reporting and assists in the creation of prior quarter adjustment when needed
• Runs daily interface between PeopleSoft and Vantage
• Participates in regular audits of federal, state and local taxes to ensure compliance
• Prepares and distributes payroll reports on a bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, or special request basis
• Maintains legal and regulatory compliance for the firm by researching and communicating requirements with other departments and employees
• Researches regulations by reviewing regulatory bulletins and other sources of information
• Assures proper tax treatment of foreign nationals and US remote workers. This includes monitoring taxation status, taxation reciprocity and treaties and ensuring proper taxes are withheld
• Liaisons with Accounting and Tax to maintain ADP GL and assist with Payroll GL account reconciliations
• Collaborates with outside tax vendors to maintain accurate taxation and reporting for the Expat population
• Maintains rapport with regulatory personnel by arranging continuing contacts and resolving concerns
• Interacts with and assists other departments regarding taxation and documentation requirements
• Collaborates on key Payroll project activities as needed

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Post High School education, preferred
• FPC or CPP Payroll Certification preferred
• ADP Training or certifications, preferred

Professional Experience:

• Prior work experience in a professional services organization and/or law firm setting, preferred
• Prior experience with ex-pat shadow payroll and global mobility support, preferred

Technical Skills: 

• Experience with ADP Vantage platform, preferred
• Experience with PeopleSoft version 9.1 or higher, PeopleSoft Query, Microsoft Outlook, and ADP Reporting, preferred
• Experience with payroll system implementations and/or upgrades, preferred
• Experience with ADP Smart Compliance preferred

Performance Traits: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and select vendors (ADP, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, etc.)
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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