Payroll Analyst

Duration: 12 Months (with possibility of extension)

Location: Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday onsite | Monday & Friday Work from Home)

The Payroll Analyst - II will be responsible for end-to-end payroll processing and support activities using Workday Payroll for a large, multi-state organization. This role involves handling payroll transactions, ensuring accuracy in payroll files and reports, supporting audits, managing complex payroll scenarios, and delivering excellent service to employees and internal stakeholders.

• Perform end-to-end payroll processing and corrections for assigned areas using Workday Payroll
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• Review and validate payroll files (e.g., Payroll Reconciliation File, Bank File) and reports generated internally or by vendors; approve for final processing.
• Support pre-payroll and post-payroll activities, including data validation, master data quality checks, and time & payroll data completeness.
• Handle complex payroll scenarios such as terminations, Leave of Absence (LOA), over payments, retroactive adjustments, severance, and maternity leave.
• Conduct payroll audits, reconciliations, and support year-end payroll activities including tax reporting and W-2 processing.
• Manage Service Now (SNOW) case management for employee and manager payroll queries.
• Work closely with Time Tracking systems (Workday & UKG) for accurate data integration.
• Generate reports, analyze large datasets in Excel, and perform root cause analysis for payroll errors.
• Support payroll integrations, system testing, and special projects as needed.
• Maintain strong audit trails, documentation, and compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws across multiple states.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Tax, Treasury, and other internal teams to resolve payroll-related issues.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).

• 3–5 years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a large organization (20,000+ employees) operating across multiple U.S. states.
• Hands‑on experience with the Workday Payroll system would be preferred.
• Strong experience in multi-state payroll processing and knowledge of U.S. labor laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience in payroll audits, validations, reconciliations, and error resolution.
• Experience with case management tools, preferably Service Now (SNOW).

• Advanced Excel proficiency (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, formulas, and large data handling).
• Working knowledge of time tracking systems (Workday Time, UKG preferred).
• Experience supporting payroll integrations and vendor file processing.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.