Payroll Specialist

Alpharus Health•Chicago, IL

18d•$23 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist processes employee lifecycle transactions and maintains accurate electronic employee files and payroll records. The role manages employee inquiries about paychecks, deductions, and payroll issues; processes wage deductions in compliance with federal and state regulations; and prepares accurate weekly and biweekly payrolls using UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Dimensions (Timekeeping). The specialist coordinates with HR and managers to resolve payroll discrepancies, makes state tax payments, ensures required payroll tax filings are timely, participates in year-end W-2 review and distribution, and assists with audits, reporting, and compliance activities. The position is based at 315 N Racine, Chicago, Illinois. The first 90 days are onsite; afterward, the schedule includes one remote day during processing weeks and two remote days during non-processing weeks. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:00 PM or 7:30 AM–3:30 PM.

Requirements

High school diploma with, at a minimum, accounting coursework.
Basic payroll knowledge and willingness to learn and be trained.
Reliability, attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills.
Basic Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office proficiency, and proficiency with payroll/timekeeping systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive payroll information.
Ability to continually proofread, check, and verify data and calculations in detailed payroll records viewed in printed form and on a computer monitor.
Ability to respond to telephone inquiries.
Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal continually to enter, retrieve, or audit information and data.
Ability to pull, lift, and transport files and documents to and from locations within the office or assigned location.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of in-house payroll experience.
Experience with payroll taxes, preferably involving multiple states, and 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 inquiries 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 (Timekeeping) 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 a 3% employer match.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Alpharus.
Life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus.
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.
Nine paid company holidays.
Training and development programs.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per calendar year.
Access to online courses providing CEUs and job-related training.
Clinical supervision, including formal and informal guidance.
Annual performance reviews, with merit-increase eligibility determined by employee and organizational financial performance.