Sr. Payroll Specialist

Cboe Global Markets•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for a multi-state employee population of more than 1,000 employees, while also assisting with international payroll activities. As a key member of a highly experienced and collaborative Payroll team, this position is responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and delivering exceptional service to employees and business partners. The role includes processing payroll, conducting audits and reconciliations, identifying and resolving payroll discrepancies, and ensuring adherence to established payroll controls and compliance requirements. Leveraging strong payroll expertise, analytical skills, and Workday Payroll experience, the Senior Payroll Specialist supports operational excellence through payroll administration, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives. The successful candidate is a highly organized and detail-oriented payroll professional with a strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting critical deadlines.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment required.
Experience processing payroll for 1,000+ employees.
Proven proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reconciliations, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reporting.
Experience administering wage garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders.
Experience calculating and auditing gross-up payments.
Experience working in a SOX-controlled or publicly traded company environment.
Strong understanding of payroll accounting, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Demonstrated strong work ethic and sense of accountability.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a steady, fast-paced environment to consistently deliver results and meet deadlines.
Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee information.

Nice To Haves

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and process semi-monthly payroll for 1,000+ employees located across multiple states, including salaried and hourly populations.
Ensure payroll data is accurately processed, including earnings, taxes, bonuses, deductions, and other compensation elements.
Review and audit payroll-related administrative changes for accuracy and compliance.
Run retroactive payroll calculations and maintain supporting reports and documentation.
Assist with international payroll administration and related reporting activities.
Analyze and audit 401(k) deferral and loan files to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely and accurate manner.
Prepare and review payroll audit reports, including transportation benefits, lunch gross-up programs, remote work stipends, and other payroll-related payments.
Analyze Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) contributions and prepare reporting summaries.
Generate payroll reports and provide payroll-related data and analysis to management, Finance, Human Resources, and auditors.
Perform or assist with various accounting responsibilities, including monthly journal entries and account reconciliations as needed.
Maintain payroll records related to earnings, deductions, taxes, and other payroll transactions in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and applicable international payroll regulations.
Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, direct deposit, tax withholding, deductions, and time reporting.
Partner with Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure payroll data integrity.
Participate in payroll process improvement initiatives and recommend opportunities to increase efficiency and strengthen controls.
Support payroll system testing, enhancements, and upgrades, including Workday-related projects.
Assist with year-end activities, audits, and special projects as assigned.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Benefits

Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages with an upside for overachievement
Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days and annual community service days
Flexible, hybrid work environment
Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services
2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire
Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Tax Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation
Employee referral bonus program
Volunteer opportunities to help you give back to your communities
Complimentary lunch, snacks and coffee in any Cboe office
Paid Tuition assistance and education opportunities
Generous charitable giving company match
Paid parental leave and fertility benefits
On-site gyms and discounts to other fitness centers
Paid Time Off