Vanessa Ramirez
Chicago,IL
Summary
Seasoned payroll accounting leader with 15+ years of experience overseeing multi-state payroll operations, compliance governance, payroll tax administration, and process optimization within complex corporate environments. Proven success leading payroll transformation initiatives, strengthening internal controls, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance across high-volume organizations. Recognized for building scalable payroll processes, partnering with executive leadership, and driving accuracy, accountability, and performance in fast-paced professional settings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Manager
Dentons US LLP
Chicago, IL
07.2022 - Current
- Directed multi-state payroll, benefits, and tax operations supporting 2,000+ employees, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution across complex regulatory environments.
- Led payroll team operations with oversight of workflow management, compliance standards, staff development, and operational continuity to support high-performance payroll delivery.
- Oversaw end-to-end year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, fringe benefit analysis, payroll reconciliations, and regulatory reporting compliance.
- Managed payroll tax administration, quarterly and annual filings, agency correspondence, and compliance resolution activities across multiple jurisdictions.
- Partnered with Finance, Treasury, HR, and external vendors to oversee payroll funding, accounting integration, bank interfaces, and general ledger reconciliations while strengthening financial accuracy and internal controls.
- Drove payroll process improvement initiatives through analysis of payroll, benefits, and tax procedures to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and reporting accuracy.
- Produced and analyzed biweekly, monthly, quarterly, year-end, and ad hoc payroll reporting to support compliance oversight, audit readiness, and executive decision-making.
- Served as the primary escalation point for complex payroll, benefits, and tax matters, delivering high-level support to employees, leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Oversaw payroll systems integration activities involving SAP SuccessFactors and UKG, ensuring data integrity, process reliability, and seamless payroll operations.
- Managed payroll-related audits including workers’ compensation, 401(k), financial, and compliance audits by delivering accurate documentation and reconciliation support within strict deadlines.
- Monitored evolving payroll legislation and tax regulations, implementing updates and compliance controls to minimize organizational risk and maintain regulatory adherence.
Payroll & Benefits Manager
ACTS Aviation Security, Inc. — Payroll & Benefits Manager
Chicago, IL
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Directed payroll operations for union and non-union employee populations across weekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles, ensuring compliance with company policies and federal, state, and local regulations.
- Led payroll audit and reconciliation activities to strengthen data integrity, ensure payroll accuracy, and support regulatory compliance initiatives.
- Partnered with Accounting and HR leadership to strengthen payroll controls, enhance audit readiness, and implement robust validation and compliance processes.
- Oversaw employee benefits administration programs supporting workforce engagement, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
- Managed payroll and benefits vendor relationships while collaborating cross-functionally to streamline payroll administration and improve service delivery efficiency.
- Developed and delivered payroll and benefits training programs for HR staff and employees, reinforcing compliance standards, payroll procedures, and operational consistency.
- Coordinated annual payroll and benefits administration activities, including invoice analysis, benefit audits, reconciliations, and regulatory compliance support.
Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Pangea Ventures
Chicago, IL
05.2021 - 01.2022
- Directed payroll operations for multiple employee groups, ensuring compliant, accurate, and efficient execution of biweekly payroll processing and off-cycle payments.
- Oversaw payroll tax reporting, compliance administration, and payroll operations across multiple state jurisdictions within complex regulatory environments.
- Served as the primary liaison for payroll, benefits, and HR-related matters, providing high-level support to regional leadership and field management teams.
- Managed relationships with payroll, benefits, and third-party vendors to strengthen compliance, improve operational efficiency, and support seamless service delivery.
- Oversaw benefits administration activities, coordinated 5500 audit support, and managed employee onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure compliance and operational continuity.
- Implemented payroll and HR process improvements that enhanced operational effectiveness, strengthened accuracy, and improved workflow efficiency.
Payroll Manager
Lincoln International
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 05.2021
- Directed payroll operations across multiple states and employee pay groups, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution for biweekly, semi-monthly, and draw compensation structures.
- Oversaw payroll accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and general ledger reporting to support financial accuracy and compliance for compensation and benefits accounts.
- Coordinated cross-functional communication between internal stakeholders and payroll vendors to support seamless payroll system upgrades and operational continuity.
- Partnered with HR and departmental leadership to support compensation planning, enhance budgeting processes, and oversee employee benefits administration.
- Led payroll and 401(k) audit activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and reporting standards.
- Managed payroll policy and procedure enhancements to strengthen compliance, improve operational efficiency, and support standardized payroll practices.
- Monitored federal, state, and local payroll legislation to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance and proactively support payroll operations.
- Supported development and mentoring of accounting personnel while contributing to cross-functional initiatives, operational improvements, and special projects.
Education
MBA - Accounting
Keller Graduate School of Management
Chicago, IL2011
Skills
Payroll & HRIS Systems: UKG Pro (UltiPro), UKG Workforce Management (WFM), SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, NetSuite, PlanSource
Reporting & Analytics: Domo, Advanced Microsoft Excel, Payroll Reporting & Analytics, Data Reconciliation, KPI Reporting
Productivity & Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Microsoft Copilot
Timeline
Payroll Manager
Dentons US LLP
07.2022 - Current
Payroll & Benefits Manager
ACTS Aviation Security, Inc. — Payroll & Benefits Manager
10.2021 - 07.2022
Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Pangea Ventures
05.2021 - 01.2022
Payroll Manager
Lincoln International
01.2013 - 05.2021
MBA - Accounting
Keller Graduate School of Management