Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: Naperville, IL (Hybrid)

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our growing team in Naperville, Illinois. This role will be responsible for processing multi-state payroll accurately and efficiently, maintaining payroll compliance, and serving as a key resource for employee payroll inquiries. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of payroll experience, advanced knowledge of UKG Pro, strong Excel skills, experience with Concur expense management, and exceptional communication abilities. This position works closely with Human Resources, Accounting, and employees across the organization to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing. The responsibilities and qualifications align with common Payroll Specialist requirements identified in payroll-focused job documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly and weekly payroll for employees using UKG Pro.
• Maintain employee payroll records, deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings, and direct deposits.
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Reconcile payroll reports and support month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and assist with payroll account reconciliations.
• Administer employee expense reimbursements through Concur.
• Review and audit payroll data to identify and resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
• Partner with Human Resources on employee onboarding, terminations, compensation changes, and benefits deductions.
• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, taxes, timekeeping, and expense reporting.
• Support annual payroll activities including W-2 preparation and payroll audits.
• Generate payroll, labor, and compliance reports for management.
• Recommend process improvements and leverage system capabilities to enhance payroll efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll processing experience in a mid-sized to large organization.
• Hands-on experience with UKG Pro required.
• Experience with Concur expense management strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• FPC or CPP certification is a plus.

Preferred Experience

• Manufacturing, distribution, professional services, or corporate payroll environment.
• Experience working with HRIS and timekeeping systems.
• Exposure to payroll audits, benefits administration, and general ledger reconciliations.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented Culture

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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