Senior Payroll Manager

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Payroll Manager atUL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office. The Senior Payroll Manager provides strategic oversight of payroll, payroll taxes, time and attendance, and related systems and processes. This role leads compliant, accurate, and effective payroll operations for UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) and drives improvements across functions.

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the Senior Payroll Manager, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Lead all aspects of in-house U.S. payroll processing in accordance with federal, state, and local legislation, corporate policies, and industry best practices, ensuring paychecks are issued accurately and on time.

• Manage and maintain HRIS and employee data relating to payroll including earnings codes, tax locations, wage attachments, garnishments, deductions, and time and attendance system to ensure accuracy of all payroll related records.

• Oversee that all necessary payroll-related government reports and tax filings are performed in compliance with federal, state, and local tax codes, including filing and payment of tax withholding and various other government reporting, both domestic and international.

• Manage International Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll vendor(s), including SOW renewals

• Lead and manage Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist to ensure accurate and timely and accurate completion of payroll processing, resolving complex payroll discrepancies and ensuring compliance.

• Manage 401(k) contributions funding and reconciliation, support annual audits and compliance reporting, including filing Form 5500.

• Lead continuous improvement strategies for payroll processes, systems integration, technology, and compliance based on changing laws and industry best practices.

• Collaborate with the finance department and employee benefits team to ensure accurate allocations relating to payroll.

• Establish and maintain employee centric payroll operation that includes development of self-service resources, proactive communications and prompt response to employee questions and requests.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll-related audits and payroll/accounting reconciliations.

• Create and maintain written procedures for all Payroll department functions.

• Provide information, reports, and analysis to management and/or internal audit as requested.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve payroll operations and organizational performance, influencing stakeholders and driving implementation across functions.

What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are eligible for bonus compensation based on the level of the position. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Deep subject matter expertise in payroll compliance and administration, payroll best practices, federal and state payroll and tax regulations, and legal requirements, with the ability to influence execution across functions.

• Demonstrated ability to accurately maintain a payroll system, time and attendance, and HRIS, including the ongoing maintenance of system configurations to align with HR processes.

• Proven ability to influence leaders and collaborate effectively across functions to achieve organizational goals.

• Exceptional process and project management skills, with the ability to balance day-to-day activities and implementation of processes with specific deadlines.

• Advanced problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, lead continuous improvement strategies, and collaborate across functions to address complex strategic and operational issues.

• Sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive information and situations with discretion and confidentiality, utilizing policies and procedures to guide appropriate action.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong customer service skills with a focus on employee experience.

• Strong proficiency in MS Office with advanced skills in Excel.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, accounting, finance or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 8 years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 3 years leading payroll operations and team members.

• Basic knowledge of employee benefits practices and procedures.

• Experience processing payroll in Canada and/or other international payrolls is a plus. 

• Experience in professional services or non-profit organizations is preferred.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is preferred.

• Experience with Workday is a plus.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

Salary Range:

Pay type: