Senior Payroll Specialist

Aston Carter•Berwyn, IL

12d•$38 - $50•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a contract position based out of Chicago, IL, offering a hybrid work schedule with 2 days in the Loop office. The role involves leading end-to-end bi-weekly multi-state payroll processing for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities using Workday. Key responsibilities include ensuring payroll data accuracy through auditing and maintenance, acting as an escalation point for complex payroll issues, and managing year-end processing such as W2s, balancing, adjustments, and amendments. The role also requires ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, managing payroll tax obligations, monitoring tax law changes, and supporting external audits. Cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance, and leadership is essential, as is supporting system implementations and upgrades. The position also involves developing payroll reports and analytics, reconciling payroll accounts, supporting month-end close, and identifying opportunities for automation and process improvements.

Requirements

Hands-on Workday Payroll Processing experience required
5–8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment
Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing and a strong command of federal and state compliance, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to build and interpret payroll reports
A technology-forward mindset — you actively look for ways to automate, improve, and scale payroll processes
Excellent communicator who can distill complex payroll topics for non-payroll stakeholders
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing competing priorities under tight deadlines

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred; FPC considered
Experience with NetSuite or similar general ledger systems a plus

Responsibilities

Lead end to end biweekly multi state payroll for exempt and non exempt employees across multiple entities in Workday
Ensure payroll data accuracy through auditing, calculating, and maintaining records
Act as escalation point for complex payroll issues and resolve discrepancies
Manage year end processing including W2s, balancing, adjustments, and amendments
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations including wage and hour laws
Manage payroll tax obligations including registrations, account closures, and tax notice resolution
Monitor payroll tax law changes and implement updates
Support external audits and maintain strong internal controls
Serve as payroll subject matter expert for HR, Finance, and leadership
Partner on onboarding, offboarding, pay changes, and benefits administration
Ensure accurate and timely payroll, tax, and benefit funding
Support system implementations, upgrades, and integrations, especially Workday
Develop payroll reports and analytics for leadership insights
Reconcile payroll accounts and support month end close activities
Identify and drive automation and process improvements
Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation for audit readiness