Human Resources and Payroll Manager

Outten & Golden LLP is seeking a Human Resources and Payroll Manager, based in our New York office, to support the Firm’s HR functions—with a focus on payroll, leave, and benefits administration—as a member of the Firm’s People team. The successful candidate will exhibit a positive, proactive attitude, along with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a range of people.

The Firm enjoys a strong national reputation for representing employees, independent contractors, executives and whistleblowers in all areas of employment law—from representing senior executives in contract negotiations, to protecting individuals’ civil rights in the workplace, to combating worker exploitation and systemic discrimination in class action and impact litigation and putting hundreds of millions of dollars in the hands of wronged individuals with historic SEC and IRS whistleblower awards—as advocates for workplace fairness. The Firm has also recently branched out into cutting-edge consumer digital-discrimination litigation involving major social media platforms.

We also place considerable focus on our own workplace, keeping our eye on employee morale and engagement as we grow and evolve. Our goal is to foster a workplace that embraces diversity in all of its complex and rich forms and incorporates the multi-layered factors that drive equity. We are committed to building relationships rooted in respect and trust to promote a sense of belonging for our employees.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the firm’s HRIS system (Paycom) and payroll to ensure timely and accurate processing across jurisdictions; maintain employee-data, payroll, and benefits HRIS and other files; lead post-implementation system updates and enhancements (including evaluation of modules for expenses, journal and general ledgers); generate payroll-related reports and analyze payroll-related data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes; support payroll-related audits; manage year-end payroll-related deliverables (e.g., W2s, related employer tax forms, total rewards statements).
• Support firm-sponsored benefit plans, programs, and policies, and identify opportunities for improvement; forecast benefits trends and assist with benefits design; prepare annual census for benefits-plan testing; serve as a primary contact for payroll- and benefits-related vendors and third-party administrators (including our benefits broker), managing vendor relationships, reviewing and processing invoices, facilitating employee communication, and attending recurring meetings; coordinate Fidelity updates, 401(k) funding submissions, and wage reporting for workers’ compensation; and, working with others on the People team, coordinate employee training related to the use of the Paycom (HRIS) and Fidelity (401K) platforms.
• Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Human Resources Manager to administer the payroll aspects of leaves of absence (e.g., disability, FMLA, parental); produce leave and PTO reports to support year-end bonus calculations; coordinate the secure transfer of employee data to third-party vendors for services, premiums, and plan administration; administer workers' compensation claims with third-party administration needs; review and respond to unemployment claims with appropriate documentation; review unemployment statements; and ensure that required reporting and employee notices relating to payroll and benefits (e.g., EEOC, ACA) are timely distributed.
• Stay abreast of regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable HR best practices; support annual compensation review including research into market trends and benchmarks; collaborate with others on the HR team to ensure that the Firm’s Employee Handbook is up to date and comprehensive; and otherwise assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining personnel policies and procedures (particularly as related to payroll and benefits) to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Work with others on the Human Resources team to respond to daily HR-related matters that arise (including but not limited to payroll and benefits inquiries); partner with others on the People team to help create and maintain a culture of respect, inclusion, development, and innovation in alignment with the Firm’s equity-and-engagement vision and objectives; and proactively assume other duties as necessary.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a combination of employment, educational, and life experience that demonstrates the qualities and skills below:

• Education and Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience—including a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role—and a demonstrated track record of successful human resources leadership, including developing and leading initiatives and process improvements in a highly collaborative environment. You have experience building, mentoring, and developing a team and cultivating a respectful work environment. You lead by example. Extensive knowledge of the payroll function is required, with Paycom experience preferred, and an understanding of employee benefits and the employer requirements related to same.
• Confidentiality: You must be able to adhere to Firm policies regarding the protection of confidential data and demonstrate sensitivity to (and good judgment in connection with) confidential attorney, personnel, and Firm matters.

• Clear Communication and Attention to Detail: You express yourself clearly and concisely, always highlighting the most important information. You communicate with openness and curiosity particularly where there are differing viewpoints. You have developed communication skills to cut through defensiveness and build understanding. You proactively communicate the status of your work and share updates with colleagues when necessary. You ensure that your work is mistake free.
• Flexibility and Organization: You are versatile and able to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities. You are comfortable in an environment where your responsibilities may vary from day to day.You demonstrate a “no job too big, no job too small” attitude, and take a collaborative, team-focused approach to rejuggling priorities and contributing to Firm tasks.You are comfortable balancing tasks of varying levels of urgency and complexity and work well under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Ownership, Initiative, and Teamwork: You take ownership of your projects and follow through on their completion. You proactively anticipate, communicate, and work to independently resolve obstacles you encounter in your work. You possess a strong client- service orientation and ability to work well individually and as part of a team.
• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Mission Orientation: You are enthusiastic and passionate about our commitment to advocating for employee rights.You thrive when your work is connected to purpose.

Compensation: An attractive compensation package (tailored to experience), with target base compensation of $130,000–$165,000 per year (exempt). Outten & Golden offers our employees a robust benefits package including healthcare benefits.

Outten & Golden LLP is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Outten & Golden LLP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at recruiting@outtengolden.com.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.