Payroll & Benefits Specialist - University Park, IL

Payroll & Benefits Specialist – University Park, IL

Own the details that keep our people supported and our payroll running smoothly.

Verdant Specialty Solutions is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team in University Park, Illinois. This role is responsible for U.S. payroll processing, benefits administration, HRIS data integrity, and related payroll and benefits compliance across our U.S. operations.

As our primary U.S. payroll administrator, you’ll manage payroll from processing through reconciliation, serve as a key resource for employees on benefits, and partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, ADP, and our benefit providers.

This role is onsite and based in University Park, Illinois.

Why This Role Is a Fit for You

• Payroll Ownership: Take primary responsibility for accurate and timely multi-state U.S. payroll processing.
• Employee Impact: Serve as a trusted resource for employees navigating payroll and benefit questions.
• Broad Benefits Exposure: Support benefits administration, open enrollment, leave-related benefits, and compliance activities.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with HR, Finance, site leadership, ADP, and benefit providers across a multi-site organization.

What You’ll Do

• Process and validate bi-weekly and semi-monthly U.S. payrolls using ADP Workforce Now.
• Manage payroll adjustments, deductions, garnishments, taxes, benefit deductions, and other payroll transactions.
• Reconcile payroll and research and resolve discrepancies in partnership with HR, Finance, employees, and ADP.
• Administer employee benefits, including eligibility, enrollments, terminations, qualifying life events, COBRA, HSA/FSA, and disability programs.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and support implementation of benefit plan changes.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and eligibility records and resolve discrepancies with vendors and Finance.
• Maintain accurate employee and payroll data through regular HRIS audits and record maintenance.
• Support payroll and benefits administration associated with employee leaves of absence.
• Prepare required payroll and benefits reporting, including ACA and W-2 reporting.
• Serve as back-up for UK and German payroll processing.

What Sets You Apart

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to independently manage recurring deadlines and competing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential employee and compensation information.
• Clear, professional communication with employees, managers, vendors, and internal partners.

What You Bring

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant payroll and benefits experience will be considered.
• At least 5 years of payroll and benefits experience, preferably in a multi-state and/or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience independently processing multi-state U.S. payroll, including taxes, deductions, garnishments, adjustments, and year-end activities using ADP Workforce Now.
• Experience administering medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life and disability insurance, and COBRA.
• Strong knowledge of payroll and benefits compliance requirements and multi-state payroll practices.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience reconciling and validating payroll and benefits data.

About Verdant
Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer combining innovation, agility, and operational excellence. With operations across the United States and Europe, we bring functional chemistry to life, safely, reliably, and responsibly. Our collaborative culture empowers employees to solve complex challenges, drive continuous improvement, and make a meaningful impact on the future of our business.