Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll SpecialistDate: Sep 8, 2026Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202Company: Grainger BusinessesWork Location Type: HybridAbout GraingerW.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $61,800.00 – $102,900.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 5 % or $, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.Rewards and BenefitsWith benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing. 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year. 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required. Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools. Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.Position OverviewThe Senior Payroll Tax Specialist is responsible for ensuring payroll tax compliance and operational excellence for North America, supporting approximately 20,000 employees. This role is a senior-level individual contributor focused on payroll tax and compliance, without direct people management responsibilities. The Sr. Specialist Payroll Tax partners closely with payroll teams, outsourced vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure payroll tax processes meet service level agreements, quality targets, and regulatory requirements. This is a hybrid position and is onsite 2 days per week in Lake Forest, IL.You WillEnsure compliance with all payroll tax regulations (federal, state, local, and provincial) for North American operations. Responsible for executing tax activities: including tax setups, garnishments, filings, and remittances, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll tax, providing guidance and technical support to payroll teams and business partners. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payroll tax processes, ensuring documentation is current and accurate. Support quarter-end and year-end payroll tax activities, including reconciliations, audits, and reporting. Collaborate with internal teams (HRSD, Finance, Benefits) and external vendors (ADP) to resolve payroll tax issues and ensure alignment. Manage ServiceNow cases related to payroll tax and compliance, ensuring timely resolution and high-quality employee experience. Participate in audits (SOX, SOC1) and ensure compliance with internal controls and labor laws. Lead or participate in special projects related to payroll tax compliance, system upgrades (SAP, ADP), and continuous improvement initiatives.You HaveMinimum of 8 years of payroll tax experience across multiple jurisdictions, including Canadian payroll. Deep knowledge of payroll operations, systems (SAP, ADP), payroll controls, vendor management, and tax compliance. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and issue management skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams. Experience supporting audits and maintaining compliance with SOX and SOC1 controls. Excellent communication skills for partnering with internal and external stakeholders. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; relevant certifications (CPP, CPA) a plus.We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment.