Senior Payroll Specialist
Chicago, IL
USA – Finance - G&A /
Hybrid
What we are looking for
We are seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and operationally driven Senior Payroll Specialist to join our growing US Finance team. Based in our Chicago Support Office, this role will support payroll operations, drive process improvements, and support implementations as we scale. The Payroll Specialist will be a trusted partner to leadership, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and a seamless employee experience.
What you will do
The Senior Payroll Specialist will own payroll processing and payroll compliance across the United States, acting as a subject matter expert for payroll, timekeeping, and related systems. In addition to payroll execution, this role will support back-end benefits administration and reporting while also playing a role when needed in our HRIS implementation, helping to align payroll and HR data, streamline processes, and enable scalable growth.
What you will do
- Lead and process multi-state payroll across multiple pay schedules within Workday, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Partner with HRIS implementation team with system configuration, testing, and integration.
- Manage vacation and sick time accruals in payroll system and ensure all time off request are processed in-line with payroll cycle.
- Process garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies in compliance with regulations.
- Complete all incoming employment verifications and work with Business Partner to gather and submit employee record requests, subpoenas, and other documentation requests.
- Process and ensure accuracy and integrity of employee data by managing new hires, terminations, and changes in payroll/HRIS systems.
- Support in health, ancillary, and retirement benefits including enrollments and terminations.
- Assist with end of year compliance for payroll and W2 compliance.
- General filing and administrative duties that relate to payroll and benefits management
- Process required documents through payroll and carriers to ensure accurate record keeping and payroll deductions.
- Act as a resource to employees, delivering high-quality support on payroll and benefits inquiries.
- Support with monthly benefits reconciliation ensuring accurate billing/invoicing and benefit coverage
- Support with timely unemployment claims and COBRA processing.
- Prepare and analyze payroll and benefits reports
- Drive process improvements and automation opportunities across payroll and HR systems.
- Partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and external vendors to ensure smooth processes..
Candidate Profile
- Skills and Qualifications
- 5+ years of proven payroll experience, including multi-state payroll.
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance, and best practices.
- Trustworthy with strong confidentiality and discretion.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals related to payroll.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office; experience with Workday required, HRIS implementation experience highly valued.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, HR, or related field preferred.
$75,000 - $90,000 a year
