Internal Payroll Specialist

At Wipfli, people count.
At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do-the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.
We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.
People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.
Job SummaryUnder the direction of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Analyst II is a key member of a collaborative team responsible for payroll administration for the firm, in accordance with company policies and procedures and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The team manages payroll for approximately 3,000 employees across all 50 states and localities, with numbers fluctuating due to mergers and acquisitions. The Payroll Analyst II will focus on day-to-day payroll operations, with a strong emphasis on auditing payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance. This role requires high attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Essential Responsibilities:

• Administer payroll processing functions for the firm and its employees, including end-to-end payroll for high-volume employee groups (3,000+ associates).
• Serve as a key reviewer and auditor for biweekly payroll, collaborating with other analysts to ensure payroll is accurate and ready for management review.
• Verify and audit data entered by onboarding, compensation, and other teams, including hire dates, pay rates, addresses, and time tracking entries.
• Approve address changes and review local tax implications for accuracy.
• Review retroactive changes for accuracy and ensure proper adjustments are made.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies, such as incorrect pay rates or time tracking errors, before payroll is processed.
• Support cross-training and coverage within the team to ensure continuity of payroll operations during absences.
• Communicate and collaborate daily with team members via Teams chat, phone calls, and email to resolve questions and coordinate tasks.
• Flexibly address urgent issues, such as employee life events or last-minute changes, and adapt to frequent changes in processes and systems.
• Assist in preparing partner payroll as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 3+ years of job-related experience, including high-volume, end-to-end payroll processing for large employee groups (ideally 3,000+ associates).
• Excellent Microsoft Excel experience, including advanced use of formulas and pivot tables.
• Experience working with Workday preferred; ability to learn new payroll systems required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred, or equivalent work experience, as appropriate.

Skills & Abilities:

• High attention to detail and strong auditing skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work, and to multitask and follow up independently.
• Comfort with ambiguity, change, and a fast-paced environment; ability to flex and adapt to urgent matters and shifting priorities.
• Ability to research data and recommend solutions.
• Exceptional problem identification/analysis skills.
• Ability to provide clear, concise, advanced verbal and written communications.
• Strong collaboration skills and willingness to cross-train and support team members.

Tiffany Farnsworth, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process. Visit her LinkedIn page to connect!
#LI-TF1 #LI-remote
Additional Details:
Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at [email protected]
Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay range for this role is $23 - $30 an hour, with offers typically not made at the maximum, allowing for future salary increases. The actual salary at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.
Individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, subject to participation rules and based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual and Firm performance.
Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well-being. Highlights include 8 health plan options (both HMO & PPO plans), dental and vision coverage, opportunity to enroll in HSA with potential Firm contribution and an Employee Assistance Program. Other benefits include firm-sponsored basic life and short and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) savings plan & profit share as well as Firm matching contribution, well-being incentive, education & certification assistance, flexible time off, family care leave, parental leave, family formation benefits, cell phone reimbursement, and travel rewards. Voluntary benefit offerings include critical illness & accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, legal, long-term care, pet insurance, ID theft protection, and supplemental life/AD&D. Eligibility for all benefits programs is dependent on annual hours expectation, position status/level and location.