Payroll Specialist

Grainger Businesses•Lake Forest, IL

6d•$27 - $40•Hybrid

About The Position

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com. This is a hybrid position based in Lake Forest, IL 2-3 days a week.

Requirements

BA/BS or equivalent preferred
Working ability in SAP, ADP, and Kronos is preferred
Experience reviewing federal, state, and local payroll tax forms, including quarterly 941s, annual 940s, W2s, W-3s, and 1099s
Experience reconciling payroll tax filings and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
Experience ensuring proper setup and withholding of taxes across multi-state jurisdictions
Experience managing year-end payroll processes and distribution of all required tax documents to employees and contractors
Experience coordinating with payroll vendor for the timely distribution of year end forms and any other payroll-related mailings
Knowledge of multi-state US payroll laws and practices required
Knowledge of Canadian and/or Global payroll laws and practices required

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Canadian and/or Global payroll laws and practices preferred
Knowledge of multi-state tax regulations preferred

Responsibilities

Responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling all aspects of the payroll function. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative duties involving the development and maintenance of the payroll system, internal control records, and day-to-day processing operations and related accounting entries as needed.
Provides exceptional quality and delivery of timely and accurate payroll results for an excess of 16K employees.
Prepare and process US multi-state weekly / bi-weekly payroll for an excess of 16K team members using SAP
Execute pre and post payroll audits to ensure accurate payments
Adhere to internal control processes including payroll balancing and other internal control compliance
Prepare off-cycle payrolls and manual checks as necessary
Manage wage garnishments processed by ADP
Calculate and process compensation continuation payments
Reconcile and audit third party inbound/outbound payroll files
Manage relationship with third party vendor
Critically review and analyze current payroll processes and recommend changes leading to best-practice operations; update and document processes
Coordinate with internal and external auditors to assist with payroll audits
Build strong partnership with customers by providing superior service
Assist with payroll related projects as required

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date)
6 company holidays per year.
6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
Employee discounts
tuition reimbursement
student loan refinancing
free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
Maternity support programs
nursing benefits
up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents
up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.