Payroll Specialist Job at Robert Half (Chicago)

Payroll Specialist

Robert Half

Location:
United States , Chicago

Category:
Finance

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

70000.00 - 75000.00 USD / Year

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Job Description:

Our client is looking for a seasoned Payroll Specialist to take full, independent ownership of weekly payroll administration within a multi-location business—including both unionized and non-union teams. This highly autonomous contract-to-hire role requires a deep commitment to precision, compliance, and meeting all deadlines with minimal direct supervision. The Payroll Specialist will be recognized as the organization’s authority on payroll, leveraging an advanced understanding of payroll tax laws, wage guidelines, and payroll accounting standards.

Job Responsibility:

Independently manage the full processing cycle of weekly payroll for a diverse workforce covering hourly, salaried, and union employees
Diligently review and balance time records from various systems, securing managerial sign-offs and adhering to internal controls before processing payroll
Accurately calculate items such as overtime, bonuses, shift differentials, deductions, retrospective pay corrections, etc., with limited direction
Maintain and update employment records related to hiring, departures, position transfers, pay adjustments, and deduction changes in ADP Workforce Now
Triage and resolve payroll discrepancies, escalating only when issues are especially complex or high-impact
Manage all payroll tasks for union teams, accurately applying contract stipulations including pay grids, premiums, and benefits deductions
Complete and submit all required union benefit submissions, dues payments, and related reporting, ensuring compliance and punctuality
Serve as the designated contact for union payroll concerns, supporting both audit and ongoing data inquiries
Preserve comprehensive documentation of all union calculations and compliance evidence
Uphold rigorous compliance with federal payroll tax withholding, reporting, and remittance regulations
Confirm and reconcile payroll tax reports including 941s, 940s, W-2s, W-3s, and related annual/tax cycle deliverables
Collaborate with internal colleagues and third-party providers (e.g., ADP) to quickly resolve tax alerts, notices, or discrepancies
Maintain organized, up-to-date tax records and support routine tax audits and reconciliations
Ensure proper taxation and documentation of fringe benefits, taxable/non-taxable compensation, and all payroll deductions
Take expert-level responsibility for ADP Workforce Now, including advanced reporting, configuration, and problem-solving
Partner with Benefits and HRIS leaders to implement system upgrades, while retaining full ownership of payroll execution and data quality

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
Strong preference for those with CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification)
At least seven years of recent, hands-on experience running full-cycle, multi-entity payroll weekly
Track record of managing IRS tax compliance, filings, and reconciliations within payroll environments
Direct experience with union payroll, including remittance and reporting obligations
Advanced skills using ADP Workforce Now and E-time platforms
In-depth knowledge of payroll accounting, ledger connections, and payroll-related reconciliations
Demonstrated history of autonomous payroll execution with a commitment to accuracy and accountability

What we offer:

medical
vision
dental
life and disability insurance
401(k) plan

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
February 05, 2026

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

Remote work

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