Senior Payroll Specialist

Gallagher • Rolling Meadows, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations in a fast-paced, complex environment. This role focuses primarily on payroll processing while supporting Oracle Payroll activities. The successful candidate will process payroll accurately, manage complex payroll transactions, resolve payroll issues, and contribute to continuous process improvements. This position offers an opportunity to grow over time. This role will be a hybrid role, based in Gallagher's global headquarters in Rolling Meadows. A hands-on payroll professional with a strong operations mindset who enjoys processing payroll, solving complex payroll issues, and delivering exceptional customer service. Oracle experience is preferred, but the primary focus is operational payroll excellence with the potential to grow into a leadership role.

Requirements

• College degree or commensurate experience + 5 years related experience required.
• Good working knowledge and understanding of current payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• A minimum of 3 years experience working with HRMS, specifically Oracle and/or Ceridian.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• 3–5 years of multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Experience using Oracle Payroll or Oracle Cloud HCM highly preferred.
• CPP certification preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, taxes, deductions, garnishments, and payroll compliance.
• Experience with payroll audits and reconciliations.
• Familiarity with Oracle mass uploads or spreadsheet loaders is a plus.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Detailed oriented
• Ability to work independently and effectively with team members.

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly payroll accurately and on time.
• Review payroll calculations, earnings, deductions, and taxes for accuracy.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, retroactive payments, and payroll adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Handle acquisitions and employee conversions.
• Manage benefit and medical deduction adjustments.
• Process HSA adjustments, overrides, and returns.
• Process imputed income adjustments.
• Conduct new hire and rehire audits.
• Resolve payroll errors.
• Track retroactive payroll.
• Respond to Workers' Compensation wage requests.
• Handle Social Services verifications.
• Process unemployment forms and employee transfers.
• Administer intern payroll.
• Maintain employee payroll data in Oracle.
• Support Oracle payroll transactions, including mass uploads when needed.
• Participate in payroll testing for Oracle updates and enhancements.
• Partner with HRIS and Payroll leadership on process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.
• Document payroll procedures and best practices.
• Participate in payroll projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop skills and capabilities for future leadership opportunities.

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one!
• Life and accident insurance
• 401(K) and Roth options
• Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA)
• Educational expense reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Digital mental health services (Talkspace)
• Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function)
• Training programs
• Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing
• Charitable matching gift program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree