Payroll & HRIS Manager

IMS Legal Strategies is a trusted partner to law firms and corporations worldwide, providing the expertise and technology needed to solve dispute-related challenges and protect reputations. IMS delivers strategic solutions for the entire litigation lifecycle, including advisory and analytical support, specialized expert witness services, data-driven jury consulting, powerful trial graphics, and seamless presentation technology. Our integrated teams have decades of practical experience in more than 65,000 cases and 6,500 trials.

“Together, we win” is the IMS company motto and a genuine philosophy that guides our work with clients, experts, and one another. From entry-level to executives, we are driven by five core values: 1) Ownership Thinking, 2) Humble Confidence, 3) Quality and Excellence, 4) Honor the Relationship, and 5) Operate as One.

We invite you to join our thriving company, committed to shared success. Visit imslegal.com for more.  

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll & HRIS Manager is responsible for managing and executing the company’s multi-state payroll function, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with company policies and government regulations. This person will process payroll for 400+ employees in 36+ states and the UK. They will also serve as our HRIS SME with an emphasis on people-related data, reporting, and processes. The successful candidate will have hands-on payroll processing and management experience, strong analytical and organizational skills, and will champion an atmosphere of trust, collaboration, and innovation. This position will report to the Vice President of Human Resources and will interface frequently with the Human Resources and Finance teams. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Process multi-state payroll for bi-weekly pay group ensuring timely, efficient, and accurate delivery of all payroll transactions including wages, benefits, bonus payments, expense reimbursements, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. 
• Manage international payroll and pay compliance including processing monthly payments and annual reporting for our team in the United Kingdom 
• Support the variable compensation program and process bonus payroll per company policies 
• Manage timecard maintenance via the Time and Labor module to prepare for payroll processing, audit and review information and make any necessary edits prior to importing for payroll 
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of benefit contributions, including 401k and HSA/FSA 
• Respond to leader requests and employee inquiries regarding hours, pay amounts, leave balances, etc. 
• Work closely with the Human Resources team on payroll and HRIS related issues and assist in researching variances, system issues, and process enhancements 
• Resolve payroll discrepancies, process manual checks, validate retro pays, and perform off-cycle special pay runs as needed 
• Develop and document procedures and processes related to payroll and HR processes 
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on reporting needs, general ledger files, payroll funding, HRIS vendor invoicing, etc. 
• Assist with month-end close processes including monthly payroll and benefits provider invoice reconciliations 
• Manage all payroll related taxes by ensuring tax rates are setup and accurate in payroll software; coordinate the setup of tax accounts as needed; research and resolve all tax notices. 
• Oversee preparation of quarterly and annual filings including end of year processing and preparation of W-2s 
• Adhere to applicable regulatory requirements, organizational policies and procedures, and departmental guidelines 
• Serve as our SME on new or changing federal, state, local, and other applicable rules and regulations to accurately process payroll 
• Serve as the HRIS subject matter expert with an emphasis on people-related data and reporting 
• Maintain HRIS database, ensuring accuracy of documentation and records including earnings, deductions, and T&L setup, along with tax withholding setup and maintenance, audits, and payroll reports 
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of payroll transactions; Run regular and ad-hoc reports and manipulate/interpret complex reporting from payroll sources 
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements 
• Resolve any payroll, time and attendance, or reporting related system issues, or needs for system modifications 
• Maintain time tracking processes to ensure accurate reporting of all time worked; Validate employee time, ensuring correct use of codes and labor distribution 
• Comply with withholding orders and ensure data is entered in the payroll system correctly; corresponding with court/attorney/agency and employee as needed 
• Support M&A activities and compensation management 
• Support audits by providing records and documentation to auditors 
• Other projects or duties as assigned 

EDUCATION & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• 5+ years of multi-state payroll processing and HRIS experience; 4+ years of payroll management 
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field  
• Extensive experience with Paylocity HRIS and other systems is a must 
• International payroll (specifically for the UK) experience is a plus 
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is strongly preferred 
• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, and internal controls, as well as payroll taxes, federal and state payroll laws and regulations and best practices 
• Prior M&A experience in fast paced private equity environment 
• Proficient with MS Office Suite; advanced Microsoft Excel skills (V-Lookups, Pivot Tables, Macros, etc.) for reporting and auditing data 
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills 
• Strong detail orientation, organization, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to manage tasks and projects from concept to completion 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to work within tight deadlines to quickly handle and resolve complex payroll and HRIS issues 
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing and rapidly growing organization 
• Superior customer service and verbal and written communication skills 
• Collaborative team player with the ability to effectively interact with multiple working styles and work across all levels of the organization and with outside vendors/service providers 
• Compensation management experience a plus 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
• May experience long hours of standing and moving 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times 

LOCATION:  

• This position is 100% remote and supports east to west coast time zones.

Our Employer Value Proposition Includes  

• Competitive compensation package with 401K match
• Flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays
• Robust health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, HSA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, all with generous company contributions
• Career development programs supported through an integrated Learning Platform
• Talent Identification Program to recognize and reward our high-performing, high-potential team members through career growth opportunities and unique development experiences
• Values-driven culture based on respect, care, growth, and excellence

IMS Legal Strategies is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.