Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
We are looking for an experienced payroll leader to oversee accurate and compliant payroll operations for a dynamic organization in Chicago, Illinois. This role is suited for someone who combines deep technical payroll knowledge with strong judgment, responsiveness, and the ability to lead in a deadline-driven environment. The successful candidate will act as a trusted point of contact for payroll matters while partnering across teams to strengthen controls, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement.
Responsibilities:
- Direct the complete payroll cycle across recurring pay schedules, ensuring each run is completed accurately and on time.
- Examine payroll data, reports, and supporting records to catch inconsistencies early and resolve issues before final processing.
- Administer payroll-related obligations such as tax reporting, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other employee compensation transactions.
- Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour standards and applicable tax requirements.
- Maintain organized payroll documentation, reconcile payroll-related ledger activity, and support month-end and year-end close activities.
- Lead annual payroll reporting tasks, including preparation and distribution of W-2s and other required filings.
- Serve as a primary resource for employees and managers by addressing questions related to pay, withholdings, deductions, and timekeeping.
- Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and external providers to resolve payroll matters and improve operational efficiency.
- Guide and develop payroll team members through coaching, workload oversight, and performance support.
- Review and authorize special payroll items such as adjustments, off-cycle payments, incentive compensation, and bonus payments.
Benefits:
- Medical/dental/vision
- 401K
Keys
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including prior leadership or supervisory responsibility.
- Strong command of payroll compliance requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Hands-on experience with payroll platforms and timekeeping systems, including environments with high employee volume.
- Solid understanding of payroll tax, wage and hour rules, deductions, garnishments, and payroll accounting practices.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with a high level of accuracy.
- Ability to manage sensitive information discreetly while balancing multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support employees and collaborate across departments.