Payroll Specialist

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL | Assignment Type: 3-Month Contract with Potential for Conversion | Must be located in the Chicagoland area!

About the role

Take Your Payroll Expertise to the Next Level! Are you a payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in getting the details right? Our client is seeking a Payroll Analyst to play a key role in managing accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations for employees across the U.S. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional with strong Workday experience who enjoys working cross-functionally, solving problems, and finding ways to improve processes. You’ll partner closely with HR, Finance, Accounting, employees, and leadership while helping ensure payroll runs smoothly from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Own weekly and bi-weekly payroll processing through a third-party payroll provider, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review and approve payroll changes, including salary adjustments, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and other employee updates.
• Prepare payroll reports and reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and partner with Finance and Accounting to resolve issues quickly.
• Support payroll tax compliance and assist with internal and external payroll audits.
• Serve as a trusted payroll resource by responding to employee questions and providing guidance to HR and management.
• Leverage Workday and HRIS systems to identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased efficiency.
• Manage payroll vendor relationships, monitor service levels, and ensure payroll providers are meeting expectations.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of corporate payroll experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on Workday Payroll experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage deadlines and prioritize multiple responsibilities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k)

Pay

$35.00–$40.00/hour, depending on experience