Payroll Specialist Every paycheck represents trust. In this role, you'll be the person employees rely on to be paid accurately, on time, and in compliance; across multiple states, entities, and pay schedules. Your work directly affects financial wellbeing, employee confidence, and the company's ability to operate smoothly. You'll work alongside the Payroll and HR Operations teams in our Chicago office, supporting weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for salaried and hourly employees across multiple states. Success in the first 90 days looks like independently processing payroll tasks in UKGPro, confidently resolving employee payroll inquiries, and proactively identifying and correcting discrepancies before payroll is finalized. In your first 30 days, you'll: Get hands-on with UKGPro and Workforce Management (WFM), including employee setup, time file audits, and basic reporting Partner with payroll teammates to prepare, audit, and validate weekly and bi-weekly payroll runs Respond to employee payroll questions via phone and email, learning how to clearly explain payroll policies and resolutions Shadow timekeeping and time clock troubleshooting to become a first-line support contact
Core responsibilities include:- Maintaining accurate employee, payroll, and PTO records, including new hires, terminations, tax forms, deductions, incentives, and garnishments
- Preparing, auditing, and reconciling time files for non-exempt employees; identifying and resolving out-of-balance issues prior to payroll finalization
- Researching and resolving paycheck, timekeeping, tax, and wage/hour discrepancies in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
- Serving as primary support for UKGPro and WFM system questions, password resets, timesheet corrections, and user maintenance
- Processing off-cycle payroll runs as needed (terminations, bonuses, state-specific requirements)
- Calculating and setting up garnishments, levies, and family court orders in UKGProActing as a liaison with local tax authorities and financial institutions
- Supporting audits and ensuring payroll reporting aligns with GAAP and regulatory requirements
Must have:- Hands-on experience processing payroll
- Practical working knowledge of multi-state payroll laws and regulations
- Experience auditing timekeeping data and correcting discrepancies
- Ability to handle confidential information with consistency and discretion
- Advanced Excel skills for reconciliation, auditing, and reporting
Nice to have:- Experience with UKG and Workforce Management (WFM / UKG Dimensions)
- Exposure to payroll tax research, garnishments, and wage/hour investigations
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
- Experience supporting both hourly and salaried populations across multiple entities
- Familiarity with UKG modules such as Business Intelligence or People Analytics
Location: Onsite, Chicago office
Direct Reports: None
Travel: 010%Pay: Starting at $75,000, depending on experience
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and company-paid life and disability coverage. We believe payroll is a service role rooted in accuracy, accountability, and respect for employees' time and livelihoods. Our team values clear communication, teamwork, and solving problems together. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
