Payroll Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Manager at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement based in our Evanston, IL office.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the oversight and compliance of payroll, payroll taxes, time and attendance, and related systems and processes. This role will ensure accuracy in all aspects of payroll functions for UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE).

Underwriters Laboratories

At UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement (UL), we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. UL stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!

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

• Oversee all aspects of in-house payroll processing for US in accordance with federal, state, and local legislation, corporate policies, and industry best practices, adhering to the payroll schedule to ensure 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.
• Manage International Employer of Record (EOR) and/or payroll vendor(s).
• Stay abreast of changing laws and best practices to inform process improvement and maintenance of systems integration, technology, and legal compliance.
• 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.
• Create and maintain written procedures for all Payroll department functions.
• Provide information, reports, and analysis to management and/or internal audit as requested.
• Contribute to and/or lead other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

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

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of payroll compliance and administration, payroll best practices, federal and state payroll and tax regulations, and legal requirements.
• 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.
• Positive and collaborative interpersonal skills to work effectively with leaders and colleagues across the organization.
• Exceptional process and project management skills, with the ability to balance day-to-day activities and implementation of processes with specific deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and work in collaboration with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.
• 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 6 years of experience administering payroll processes, with at least 2 years as the primary/lead person on the team.
• 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.

UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law.

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagementare eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

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.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit https://ulse.org