Payroll Specialist

Overview

Constellation Search Group is seeking a Payroll Specialist for a full-time direct hire position. The Payroll Specialist will work under the direction of the Director of Payroll to manage and oversee payroll functions for a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce. This role involves collaboration across various teams within the organization to enhance payroll procedures and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. The Payroll Specialist will also contribute to process improvements aimed at increasing payroll efficiency and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare and process multi-state, weekly, and bi-weekly payroll for union and non-union employees.
• Serve as the backup to the Payroll Director for four payroll groups.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, union collective bargaining agreements (CBA), and state/federal tax regulations.
• Review and validate timekeeping data from HRIS/Time and Attendance systems, including manual timesheets.
• Process and analyze assigned payroll portfolio and support the team in executing pay processes accurately and seamlessly.
• Review, process, and audit time and attendance records in accordance with labor laws and CBAs.
• Oversee full-cycle payroll integrity, ensuring accuracy from input to final payroll output and executing appropriate solutions.
• Provide customer service to employee inquiries regarding payroll, resolving issues as necessary.
• Offer administrative support for financial statements and audits related to compensation, 401(k), and severance.
• Support the administration of fringe benefit deductions and payments, including wage garnishments and union dues.
• Generate and verify reports to ensure the accuracy of payments and submit them promptly.
• Partner with internal departments and external vendors to resolve discrepancies in pay and payroll systems.
• Assist with year-end W-2 tie-outs and distribution.
• Provide backup support for the Payroll team when needed.
• Contribute to the organization's success by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a business field or 4-5 years of equivalent work experience.
• 3-5 years of payroll experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with payroll HRIS systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now/Enterprise eTime).
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and Google Suite.
• Mastery of accuracy, prioritizing, and time management to meet payroll deadlines.
• Experience with unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Functional knowledge of U.S. individual tax laws.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational skills, attention to detail, and math aptitude.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

A competitive benefits package is provided including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Salary

Base pay range: $55,000.00/yr - $62,000.00/yr

Constellation Search Group provided pay range. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that different backgrounds and life experiences make our team better. We do not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual preference, sexual identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local law or ordinance.

Location

Chicago, IL

Note

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