Workday Payroll Consultant

Contract position based in Chicago, IL (hybrid). Anticipated close date: Aug 18, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle, biweekly payroll end-to-end for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities using Workday, ensuring timely and accurate execution.
• Audit payroll data, validate calculations, and maintain detailed payroll records to ensure data integrity and minimize errors.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues, investigate discrepancies, and resolve problems quickly and accurately.
• Manage year-end payroll processing, including W-2 generation, balancing, adjustments, and amendments, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws, and maintain strong internal controls.
• Manage payroll tax obligations, including handling registrations, account closures, and resolving tax notices, while monitoring changes in payroll tax laws and implementing necessary updates.
• Support external audits by providing accurate documentation, reports, and explanations of payroll processes and controls.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for HR, Finance, and leadership, providing guidance on payroll policies, practices, and compliance requirements.
• Partner closely with HR and Finance on onboarding and offboarding activities, pay changes, and benefits administration to ensure accurate and timely payroll, tax, and benefit funding.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and integrations, particularly within Workday, contributing payroll expertise to project teams.
• Develop and maintain payroll reports and analytics that provide leadership with clear insights into payroll trends, costs, and compliance metrics.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and support month-end close activities in coordination with the accounting team.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement across payroll operations and drive initiatives that increase efficiency and scalability.
• Maintain up-to-date payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure audit readiness and consistent operational practices.
• Communicate complex payroll topics in a clear, accessible manner to non-payroll stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making across the business.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing, including strong knowledge of federal and state compliance, tax regulations, and wage and hour laws.
• Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll, with the ability to immediately process payroll in the system.
• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end biweekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax obligations, including registrations, account closures, and tax notice resolution.
• Experience supporting external audits and maintaining robust internal controls related to payroll.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to build, analyze, and interpret payroll reports and analytics.

Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation highly preferred.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) considered a plus.
• Experience with NetSuite or similar general ledger and ERP systems, with at least 5 years of ERP experience within the last 5 years strongly valued.
• Experience in financial services sectors such as fintech, insurance, or investment firms, particularly in organizations with multiple entities and a large employee base.
• Experience working in environments of 1B+ in size and supporting approximately 1,700 employees across multiple companies.
• Prior involvement in HRIS projects and system implementations, particularly related to payroll and Workday integrations.
• Technology-forward mindset, with a strong inclination to automate, improve, and scale payroll processes using modern tools and systems.

Pay

$38.00 - $50.00/hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)