Senior Payroll Specialist - Deerfield, IL

Baxter•Deerfield, IL

9d•$68,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist assists in executing payroll operations accurately and efficiently. The role supports end-to-end payroll processing, ensures compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and provides service to employees, managers, and HR partners. It collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, Time & Attendance, and external payroll providers to support timely and accurate payroll delivery. The position also combines payroll operations expertise with instructional design and communication skills to ensure payroll processes, procedures, and system functionality are documented, maintained, and communicated across the organization.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of payroll processing experience, including at least 3 years of Workday Payroll expertise.
Strong knowledge of payroll principles, payroll taxes, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements.
Experience using Workday, ADP, or similar payroll systems and platforms.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
Attention to detail, confidentiality, customer service, organizational, and communication skills.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a Shared Services or Global Business Services environment.
Knowledge of Time & Attendance systems and HRIS platforms.

Responsibilities

Process payroll accurately and on time for assigned employee populations, adhering to established service level agreements.
Review, validate, and reconcile payroll inputs and integrations, including equity, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll transactions.
Conduct payroll audits, resolve discrepancies, and support off-cycle payroll requests and special payments.
Address employee questions about pay, taxes, deductions, direct deposit, time reporting, and payroll policies as a payroll subject matter resource.
Investigate and resolve payroll issues while maintaining customer service, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations; maintain accurate records and adhere to internal controls, audit requirements, and SOX standards.
Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and operational excellence, and support payroll system testing, upgrades, implementations, and process documentation.
Create, maintain, and deliver payroll-related SOPs and Knowledge Articles covering Payroll, Tax, Time & Labor, and Absence Management.
Support training, change management, and organizational readiness for Workday enhancements and implementations.

Benefits

Annual bonus eligibility.
Medical and dental coverage starting on day one.
Basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employee contributions and company matching.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Educational assistance programs.
Paid holidays and paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service.
Family and medical leaves of absence and paid parental leave.
Commuting benefits.
Employee Discount Program.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Childcare benefits.