Payroll Manager

H.W Lochner • Chicago, IL

240d

About The Position

Lochner is a trusted infrastructure services provider for aviation, surface transportation, and water clients who need high-quality, forward-looking solutions to complex challenges. The Senior Payroll Manager will play a dual role as both a leader and a 'doer' in a lean payroll department. This role is ideal for someone with extensive experience in engineering professional services or consulting environments where payroll is closely tied to timekeeping, client billing, and federal compliance. The individual will be responsible for overseeing the entire payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing, and leading efforts to integrate new payroll systems and harmonize processes across acquired companies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll management, ideally within multi-state, multi-company operations.
• Direct experience in engineering consulting, architecture, or other professional services environments.
• Proficiency with payroll software, such as ADP, Paychex, or similar systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with acute attention to detail.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)).
• Experience managing small teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the entire payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing.
• Collaborate closely with Payroll Specialists and HR Analyst to execute payroll runs and resolve processing issues.
• Ensure accurate processing of time-based payroll in a client-billable, project-centric environment.
• Lead efforts to integrate new payroll systems and harmonize payroll processes across acquired companies.
• Monitor benefit deductions and collaborate with benefits teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Demonstrate a solution-oriented approach by assessing objectives and executing projects with minimal oversight.
• Stay current with payroll regulations to ensure full compliance.
• Prepare and present detailed payroll reports and metrics to senior management.
• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to the payroll team.

Benefits

• Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Paid Time Off and Flexible Holiday Program
• Company Paid Disability (includes paid Maternity Leave), and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Employer Contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Care
• Paid Family Leave
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid or Remote, when possible)
• Wellness Program for Physical and Mental Health
• Education and Training Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Time Off for Charitable Acts of Service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree