Payroll Specialist

Gateway Foundation•Chicago, IL

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist processes employee lifecycle transactions, maintains employee and payroll records, responds to employee payroll inquiries, and prepares and processes weekly and biweekly payrolls. The role uses UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Dimensions to review timesheets and validate payroll inputs, coordinates with HR and managers to resolve discrepancies, handles wage deductions and payroll tax obligations, and supports year-end activities, audits, reporting, and compliance. The position is based at 315 N Racine, Chicago, Illinois. It is onsite for the first 90 days, after which the schedule includes one remote day during processing weeks and two remote days during non-processing weeks. The schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:00 PM or 7:30 AM–3:30 PM. Compensation is $23.00–$27.25 per hour; starting pay depends on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Annual performance reviews are conducted, with merit increase eligibility based on employee and organizational financial performance.

Requirements

High school diploma with accounting coursework at a minimum.
Basic payroll knowledge and willingness to learn and be trained.
Reliability, attention to detail, and a team-oriented approach.
Strong communication skills.
Basic Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office proficiency.
Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive payroll information.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of in-house payroll experience.
Experience with payroll taxes, preferably multi-state.
Experience with time and attendance systems.
Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.
Familiarity with general ledger and W-2 processes.
Experience processing payroll for 500–700 employees.

Responsibilities

Process employee lifecycle transactions, including new-hire paperwork, terminations, and salary changes.
Maintain accurate electronic employee files and payroll records.
Manage the payroll mailbox and respond to employee questions about paychecks, deductions, and payroll issues.
Process garnishments, child support orders, and other required wage deductions in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Prepare and process weekly and biweekly payrolls accurately and on schedule.
Use UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Dimensions to review timesheets, validate hours, and ensure accurate payroll inputs.
Coordinate with HR and managers to resolve discrepancies or missing information before payroll processing.
Make tax payments to individual states and ensure timely filing of required payroll tax obligations.
Participate in year-end payroll processes, including W-2 review and distribution.
Assist with payroll audits, reporting, and other compliance activities as needed.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums.
Employee assistance programs focused on mental health.
403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Alpharus Health.
Life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus Health.
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
18 paid time off days per year, with accrual rates increasing with years of service.
9 paid company holidays.
Training and development programs.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
Access to online courses offering CEUs and job-related training.
Formal and informal clinical supervision.