Job Description

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is seeking a Payroll Coordinator to join our team in Phoenix, AZ. The Payroll Coordinator supports accurate, timely, and compliant bi-weekly payroll processing in a multi-state, multi-system environment. This role is responsible for executing foundational payroll processing tasks, maintaining data accuracy, and supporting payroll audits and year-end activities. The Payroll Coordinator works closely with payroll leadership and cross-functional partners to ensure payroll inputs, approvals, and supporting documentation are reviewed for completeness and adherence to firm policy and applicable regulations.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing and Data Entry

• Perform payroll data entry and maintenance across multiple systems with a high level of accuracy.
• Support bi-weekly payroll processing, including regular and off-cycle payrolls.
• Process payroll transactions such as new hires, terminations, pay changes, deductions, garnishments, and adjustments.
• Review timekeeping data and address basic exceptions prior to payroll close.
• Ensure payroll submissions include required approvals and supporting documentation prior to processing.

Data Accuracy, Documentation Review, and Audit Support

• Review payroll submissions to confirm required approvals and supporting documentation are present and aligned with firm policy.
• Identify missing, incomplete, or non-compliant approvals or supporting documentation and escalate issues through established procedures.
• Support recurring payroll audits by validating employee data, timekeeping, approvals, and payroll results.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and audit-ready payroll documentation in accordance with established retention and internal control requirements.
• Follow documented payroll procedures and approval standards.

Year-End and Special Payroll Activities

• Assist with year-end payroll activities including data validation, reconciliations, and reporting support.
• Support payroll-related audits, surveys, and compliance reporting requests as assigned.
• Provide additional support during high-volume payroll cycles or special processing periods.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Talent Management, Benefits, Finance, and Administration to ensure payroll submissions meet firm requirements.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders when approvals or documentation are missing or require correction.
• Coordinate with payroll leadership on policy interpretation questions and exception handling.

Professional Standards

• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information at all times.
• Adhere to firm policies, payroll procedures, and applicable wage and hour laws.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and accountability in all assigned work.

Career Development and Progression

This role provides foundational exposure to payroll operations and is designed to build proficiency through consistent execution and accuracy. As experience and reliability are demonstrated, the Payroll Coordinator may take on increased responsibility and complexity within payroll processing, documentation review, and audit support. Growth opportunities are based on business needs and individual readiness and are intended to support development within the payroll function.

Work Schedule and Overtime Expectations

• Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time
• During payroll processing weeks, hours worked Monday through Wednesday may be adjusted to support payroll close.
• Overtime is expected during payroll processing weeks and peak periods.
• Occasional weekend work may be required to support payroll processing, year-end activities, or special projects.
• Overtime is compensated in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.

Requirements:

• Two to four years of payroll or related experience.
• Experience supporting payroll processing in a multi-system environment.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow established procedures, approval standards, and documentation requirements.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.