Payroll Specialist

Learning Resources • Vernon Hills, IL

6h • $33 - $38 • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a Payroll Specialist who’s excited to take ownership, make an impact, and help shape a best‑in‑class payroll experience for our employees. In this role, you’ll be a trusted partner to HR and Finance, ensuring accurate payroll processing, maintaining compliance, and contributing to the systems and processes that keep our business running smoothly. If you’re someone who loves details, thrives on responsibility, and enjoys improving processes—not just following them—this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and make your mark.

You will join a collaborative payroll team that values precision, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Payroll & Compensation Manager, you’ll own key aspects of payroll operations, support compliance activities, and contribute to cross‑functional initiatives that enhance our systems and employee experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent experience
• 2–3 years of payroll processing experience (manufacturing/industrial preferred)
• Proficiency in ADP SmartCompliance
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data analysis)
• Multi‑state payroll experience
• Experience with COI audits

Nice To Haves

• CPP certification

Responsibilities

• Process multi‑state, bi‑weekly payroll for exempt, non‑exempt, and hourly employees, including off‑cycle payments
• Audit and validate payroll data in ADP and resolve discrepancies across payroll, benefits, and 401(k)
• Prepare compensation change communications (promotions, market adjustments letters)
• Ensure accurate payroll validation and reconciliation for every cycle. Reconcile payroll registers, deductions, and general ledger entries; prepare journal entries
• Administer and monitor the corporate credit card program with full policy compliance
• Assist with commercial insurance audits and maintain Certificates of Insurance (COIs)
• Support payroll filings, compliance requirements, and internal/external audits
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and accuracy
• Ad hoc projects and analysis as needed.

Benefits

• Total compensation includes profit sharing bonus potential, 401k matching, and a variety of other benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees