Payroll Administrator

Payroll AdministratorChicago, IllinoisSuperior Insurance Partners is a rapidly growing insurance brokerage platform specializing in commercial lines, personal lines, and employee benefits solutions for businesses and individuals across the United States. Through strategic acquisitions and long-term partnerships with leading independent agencies, Superior has built a strong presence throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S.At the core of Superior's approach is its mission: to improve the lives of its Agency Partners by supporting their personal, professional, and financial goals. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, Superior develops customized growth strategies tailored to each partner agency's unique vision and objectives. Agency partners gain access to a robust shared-services platform that includes accounting and finance, recruiting, human resources, AMS/IT support, marketing, and M&A expertise — allowing local agencies to maintain their entrepreneurial culture while benefiting from the scale, resources, and best practices of a larger organization. Long-term economic alignment ensures partners remain invested in the collective success and growth of the platform.Superior Insurance Partners is backed by Tyree & D'Angelo Partners ("TDP"), a leading Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investing in and partnering with lower middle-market businesses. TDP companies have completed over 1,000 partnerships, have grown to over $4 billion of enterprise value, and TDP has over $1.4 billion of capital under management.Payroll AdministratorAt Superior Insurance Partners, our mission is to improve the lives of our Agency Partners by supporting their personal, professional, and financial goals. As we continue to grow, the Payroll Administrator will play a key role in ensuring our employees receive an exceptional payroll experience while supporting the financial and operational excellence of the organization.Position SummaryThe Payroll Administrator is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees across the organization. This role plays a critical part in maintaining employee trust, supporting compliance efforts, and ensuring payroll operations run efficiently and accurately.The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, customer-service focused, and experienced in managing complex payroll processes. This individual will partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, and employees to ensure payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Processing & AdministrationProcess bi-weekly and/or semi-monthly payroll accurately and on schedule.Calculate and process wages, salaries, overtime, commissions, bonuses, incentive payments, and other compensation adjustments.Ensure accurate payroll deductions including taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and other withholdings.Manage payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, leaves of absence, and benefit elections.Compliance & Risk ManagementMaintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax requirements.Monitor payroll practices to ensure adherence to wage and hour laws and company policies.Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and related reporting requirements.Stay current on payroll legislation, tax updates, and compliance requirements.Employee SupportServe as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries.Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.Educate employees on payroll-related matters including tax withholdings, direct deposits, deductions, and year-end tax forms.Reporting & ReconciliationGenerate payroll reports for Finance, HR, leadership, and external auditors.Reconcile payroll accounts, benefit deductions, tax liabilities, and payroll-related general ledger accounts.Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.Assist with budgeting, workforce planning, and compensation analysis by providing payroll-related data and reporting.Systems & Process ImprovementMaintain payroll system accuracy, employee data integrity, and security protocols.Troubleshoot payroll system issues and partner with vendors when necessary.Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiencies.Assist with payroll-related system implementations, upgrades, and testing.Audit & Year-End SupportSupport internal and external payroll audits by providing documentation and reporting.Prepare annual payroll reconciliations and year-end processing activities.Ensure timely and accurate issuance of W-2s and other required tax documents.QualificationsRequired5+ years of payroll administration experience.Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll processing and payroll compliance requirements.Experience managing payroll in a fast-paced, multi-location organization.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.PreferredExperience with Paylocity or comparable payroll/HRIS platforms.Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus.Insurance industry experience is preferred but not required.Technical SkillsPayroll systems administration (Paylocity preferred)Advanced Excel skills including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysisPayroll accounting and general ledger reconciliationTax reporting and compliancePayroll audits and controlsHRIS and benefits administration systemsReporting and workforce analyticsCore CompetenciesExceptional attention to detail and accuracyHigh level of integrity and confidentialityStrong customer service orientationExcellent verbal and written communication skillsProblem-solving and analytical thinkingOrganizational and time-management skillsAbility to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environmentContinuous improvement mindset