Senior Payroll Systems Analyst
At a glance
Senior Payroll role at McDermott Will & Schulte. Chicago · full-time · $97,000–$130,000 base.
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Run Workday payroll setup and upkeep, covering earnings, deductions, tax rules, calculations and payroll workflows
- Record system settings and business rules, then lead checks of payroll changes and Workday releases
- Trace payroll errors to their causes and protect data quality across HR, timekeeping, benefits and other inputs
- Oversee payroll accounting entries and reconciliations with Accounting and ADP, including banking and ledger data
- Improve payroll controls and reduce manual work through automation, reporting and AI-enabled tools
What you bring
- At least five years working with payroll systems, including hands-on Workday Payroll configuration
- A bachelor's degree in accounting, information systems, human resources or a related area, or equivalent experience
- Strong command of payroll calculations, tax configuration, controls and audit-ready financial processes
Who this fits
This senior role suits someone who can own complex payroll system work with limited supervision and turn business needs into technical solutions. You’ll work across payroll, HR, Accounting and other teams, with responsibility for payroll-specific decisions. The role is based in Chicago and hybrid.
From the employer
Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.
At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.
With us, you’ll find:
A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.
Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Senior Payroll Systems Analyst owns how payroll processes work within Workday, from day-to-day system support to technology-driven improvement initiatives that elevate the payroll function's capabilities. This role configures and automates core payroll functionality in partnership with HR, Accounting, and other stakeholders to build standardized, scalable solutions. Working under minimal supervision, this position relies on significant experience and judgment to plan and execute highly complex, technical objectives.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end configuration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Workday Payroll module, including earnings and deduction setup, payroll calculation rules, tax configuration, and payroll-specific business processes
- Document payroll system configuration, business rules, and change-control procedures
- Lead end-to-end testing and validation of payroll system changes, including Workday releases and configuration updates, to ensure accuracy and compliance of payroll outputs
- Resolve system and payroll processing errors through root-cause analysis, implementing constructive and preventative corrective actions
- Monitor data integrity across HR, timekeeping, benefits, and other inputs that impact payroll processing
- Manage payroll's general ledger mapping and journal entry process, including preparing, reviewing, and posting entries and reconciling banking, payroll, and general ledger data with Accounting and ADP
- Prepare and deliver payroll reporting and analysis to support business needs, stakeholder requests, and compliance requirements
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and system functionality through automation, developing scalable solutions that reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and strengthen payroll controls
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic priorities and requirements into solutions that scale
- Lead AI adoption within the payroll function, identifying and deploying AI-enabled capabilities both in and out of Workday to streamline payroll processing
Job Specifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Information Systems, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience
- At least five (5) years of payroll systems experience with demonstrated expertise in Workday Payroll configuration
- Experience working within a law firm is preferred, but not required
- Deep knowledge of payroll calculation logic, tax setup, and Workday system configuration
- Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into technical deliverables, driving process improvements through automation, data analysis, and technology, and leading initiatives from concept through deployment
- Ability to interpret payroll and tax requirements and translate them into system design and configuration
- Strong knowledge of internal controls, auditability, and operational risk considerations in financial processes
- Exceptional attention to detail, with strong analytical, mathematical, and root-cause troubleshooting skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences and influence cross-functional stakeholders
- Ability to partner effectively across cross functional teams with clear ownership of payroll-specific decisions
- Strong documentation and process-design skills
- Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection required
Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
Target Hiring Range $97,000 - $130,000
Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds
Work Environment:
Typical indoor office environment
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.