Payroll Administrator (Chicago)

This is an office-based role working out of our Chicago location.

Why This Role Matters

Every paycheck represents trust. In this role, you’ll be the person employees rely on to be paid accurately, on time, and in compliance; across multiple states, entities, and pay schedules. Your work directly affects financial wellbeing, employee confidence, and the company’s ability to operate smoothly.

How This Team Works (and How You’ll Know You’re Succeeding)

You’ll work alongside the Payroll and HR Operations teams in our Chicago office, supporting weekly and bi‑weekly payrolls for salaried and hourly employees across multiple states. Success in the first 90 days looks like independently processing payroll tasks in UKGPro, confidently resolving employee payroll inquiries, and proactively identifying and correcting discrepancies before payroll is finalized.

What You’ll Actually Do in Your First 30 Days

• Get hands-on with UKGPro and Workforce Management (WFM), including employee setup, time file audits, and basic reporting
• Partner with payroll teammates to prepare, audit, and validate weekly and bi‑weekly payroll runs
• Respond to employee payroll questions via phone and email, learning how to clearly explain payroll policies and resolutions
• Shadow timekeeping and time clock troubleshooting to become a first-line support contact

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate employee, payroll, and PTO records, including new hires, terminations, tax forms, deductions, incentives, and garnishments
• Prepare, audit, and reconcile time files for non-exempt employees; identify and resolve out-of-balance issues prior to payroll finalization
• Research and resolve paycheck, timekeeping, tax, and wage/hour discrepancies in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Serve as primary support for UKGPro and WFM system questions, password resets, timesheet corrections, and user maintenance
• Process off-cycle payroll runs as needed (terminations, bonuses, state-specific requirements)
• Calculate and set up garnishments, levies, and family court orders in UKGPro
• Act as a liaison with local tax authorities and financial institutions
• Support audits and ensure payroll reporting aligns with GAAP and regulatory requirements

Must Have

• Hands-on experience processing payroll
• Practical working knowledge of multi-state payroll laws and regulations
• Experience auditing timekeeping data and correcting discrepancies
• Ability to handle confidential information with consistency and discretion
• Advanced Excel skills for reconciliation, auditing, and reporting

Nice to Have

• Experience with UKG and Workforce Management (WFM / UKG Dimensions)
• Exposure to payroll tax research, garnishments, and wage/hour investigations
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried populations across multiple entities
• Familiarity with UKG modules such as Business Intelligence or People Analytics

Role Details

• Location: Onsite, Chicago office
• Direct Reports: None
• Travel: 0–10%
• Pay: Starting at $75,000, depending on experience

What We Offer

In addition to competitive pay we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, financial, and personal well-being:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary life, AD&D, and short-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays and time off
• $50,000 basic life/AD&D and long-term disability at no cost
• Propane discount

Our Culture

We believe payroll is a service role rooted in accuracy, accountability, and respect for employees’ time and livelihoods. Our team values clear communication, teamwork, and solving problems together.