• Oversee and execute daily payroll functions, guaranteeing accurate and timely processing that adheres to all federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, procedures, and Sarbanes- Oxley (SOX) controls.
• Lead in processing complex and high-visibility transactions, including multi-state adjustments, bonus taxation, retroactive adjustments, year-end tax reconciliations, and equity compensation.
• Responsible for leading, managing, developing, and mentoring payroll staff.
• Assess and resolve escalated payroll issues and discrepancies with high urgency.
• Responsible for maintenance of payroll processes, procedures and controls ensuring up to date as business/processes evolve.
• Lead the review and verification of year-end payroll calculations, reconciliations, and filings (940, 941, W2, W2c, etc.) to guarantee accuracy and adherence to IRS, state, and local regulatory requirement.
• Lead and manage any payroll audits that may arise due to regulatory, internal, and external audits Leverage the payroll expertise to support the finance team during financial audits. Provide accurate and insightful data to facilitate the audit process and ensure payroll records meet audit requirements.
• Keep up to date on required federal, state and local payroll tax laws and regulations and ensure compliance with all tax withholding, reporting, and filing requirements.
• Proactively identify areas for process improvement within payroll operations and implement solutions to automate and streamline processes, making them scalable and efficient while maintaining strong quality controls.
• Work closely with the People and Culture and Benefits teams in all compensation and benefit related developments, ensuring all changes are communicated to the relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an elevated payroll position.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Several years of progressive experience in payroll management, with a strong understanding of North American payroll regulations.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of payroll software and systems, with experience in implementing and optimizing payroll technology.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. We've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, at least three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.