Payroll Specialist - Remote

# Payroll Specialist
## About the Role
Venable is seeking a **Payroll Specialist** to accurately process payroll for lawyers, business professionals, and legal professional staff while ensuring compliance with firm policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state laws. This role requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, payroll systems knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple payroll-related priorities under strict deadlines.
The position is **remote except for the initial training period and two onsite days per month for payroll processing**. The Payroll Specialist will work closely with HR, Benefits, IT, and other teams to maintain accurate payroll data, support compliance requirements, and respond to employee payroll inquiries.
## Key Responsibilities
### Payroll Processing & Administration
* Process bi-weekly payroll and special payroll runs.
* Process out-of-cycle checks, manual checks, reversals, and payroll adjustments.
* Review payroll data for accuracy, including new hires, terminations, and employee changes.
* Process salary proration, garnishments, deductions, and reimbursements.
* Maintain accurate payroll transaction records and protect confidential payroll and compensation information.
* Import and process **Kronos timekeeping files**.
* Perform data uploads and system bridges and create reports in **ADP** and related systems.
* Respond to payroll and Kronos inquiries through email.
* Maintain payroll-related folders and shared drives.
### Compliance & Reporting
* Ensure payroll activities comply with applicable federal and state payroll regulations.
* Generate and audit **401(k) contributions, loans, and benefits deductions**.
* Respond to unemployment claims, verifications of employment (VOEs), and disability claims.
* Maintain IRS lock-in letters, leave insurance records, and other payroll compliance documentation.
* Coordinate with HR, Benefits, and IT to support accurate data flow.
* Prepare payroll reports and schedules for management review.
* Assist with bonus and salary increase tracking.
* Provide backup support for Kronos and payroll system activities.
## Required Qualifications
* Minimum **2 years of relevant experience**, including at least **1 year of direct payroll experience**.
* Basic knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations.
* Proficiency in **Microsoft Excel**.
* Experience with accounting or payroll systems.
* Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and correct errors.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to seek guidance when appropriate.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines.
* Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of employee and firm information.
* Flexibility to work after hours or weekends when required for specific payroll cycles.
## Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with **ADP**.
* Experience with **UKG Kronos**.
* Experience with a document management system.
## Work Arrangement & Schedule
* **Work Arrangement:** Remote, with onsite requirements.
* **Initial Training:** Onsite.
* **Onsite Payroll Processing:** 2 days per month.
* **Schedule:** May require after-hours or weekend work during specific payroll cycles.
## Compensation
* **Washington, DC:** $67,000–$77,000 per year.
* **Baltimore, MD:** $65,000–$75,000 per year.
## Benefits
Venable's benefits package includes:
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance
* Disability and life insurance
* Flexible spending and healthcare savings accounts
* 401(k) with firm profit share
* Paid time off and firm-paid holidays
* Wellness and personal advocacy programs
* Family planning resources and leave programs
* Tuition reimbursement
* Additional employee benefits
## Equal Opportunity
Venable is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.
## Industry
**Legal Services / Law Firm**

Work arrangement
Yes