Senior Payroll Specialist in San Francisco, California at Morrison & Foerster LLP
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Job Description
Locations: San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California
Req ID: 5934
Position Type: Accounting/Finance
Job Overview
At MoFo, we couldnt write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story?
Join MoFo as a SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST on our Financial Operations team!
This role can be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
https://www.mofo.com/offices
ABOUT THE ROLE
Join a team where precision meets impact. As a Senior Payroll Specialist, youll play a critical role in ensuring seamless payroll operations across assigned pay cyclesfrom day-to-day processing to off-cycle runs. Youll be the go-to person for delivering accurate, timely payroll while maintaining compliance across taxes, PTO, and leave records. Beyond execution, youll help elevate the function by troubleshooting issues, supporting teammates, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. If youre detail-driven, solutions-oriented, and take pride in getting payroll right every time, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
- Verify accuracy and reasonability of payroll data from multiple systems (e.g., Workday, 3E, WorkForce) and update the payroll database for non-interface changes
- Ensure all tax forms (e.g., W-4, questionnaires) are properly completed, maintained, and reflected in the payroll system
- Maintain correct wage reporting and tax withholding based on employee status, location, and pay structure
- Apply deep knowledge of payroll policies, pay group rules, and wage and hour regulations to ensure compliant processing
- Process regular and off-cycle payrolls, including auditing, reporting, and filing with a high degree of accuracy
- Administer garnishments end-to-end, including setup, calculations, communications, and payment disbursement
- Manage leave of absence tracking and calculations, applying complex policies and ensuring accurate pay treatment
- Process non-cash benefits, overtime, expenses, and deductions in compliance with firm policies and tax regulations
- Research, reconcile, and support payroll tax compliance, including complex and multi-jurisdictional taxation scenarios
- Provide responsive, confidential support to employees and stakeholders on payroll, tax, and leave-related inquiries while maintaining thorough documentation
ABOUT YOU
- Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) with 6+ years of multi-state and global payroll experience
- Deep knowledge of payroll regulations, including federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
- Strong understanding of multi-state and remote work tax reporting and withholding; expatriate payroll experience preferred
- Professional certification such as APA Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred
- Experience with integrated business systems, including Ascentis Payroll, WorkForce Software, Workday HCM, and Dayforce HCM
- Working knowledge of GDPR, California, and other applicable data privacy regulations
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to produce accurate, detailed work and partner effectively across teams
- Highly organized and dependable, with strong technical skills (spreadsheets/databases), sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities from start to finish
ABOUT MOFO
At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.
- About Us: https://www.mofo.com/about
- Inclusion + Engagement: https://www.mofo.com/community/we-at-mofo
- Commitment to Pro Bono: https://careers.mofo.com/careers-pro-bono
- The MoFo Foundation: https://www.mofo.com/culture/mofo-foundation
ABOUT OUR BENEFITS
MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.
- A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
- Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
- Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
- Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
- Education reimbursement annually.
- Dedicated Talent Development team.
- Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.
Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.
San Francisco salary range: $104k to $145k
Los Angeles salary range: $99k to $138k
For questions regarding this position, please e-mail jobs@mofo.com
Morrison & Foerster is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, and other categories protected by applicable laws, or in retaliation for opposition to any practices forbidden under this policy.