Payroll Specialist

Description

Our client is looking for a seasoned Payroll Specialist to take full, independent ownership of weekly payroll administration within a multi-location business-including both unionized and non-union teams. This highly autonomous contract-to-hire role requires a deep commitment to precision, compliance, and meeting all deadlines with minimal direct supervision.

The Payroll Specialist will be recognized as the organization's authority on payroll, leveraging an advanced understanding of payroll tax laws, wage guidelines, and payroll accounting standards

+ Independently manage the full processing cycle of weekly payroll for a diverse workforce covering hourly, salaried, and union employees.

+ Diligently review and balance time records from various systems, securing managerial sign-offs and adhering to internal controls before processing payroll.

+ Accurately calculate items such as overtime, bonuses, shift differentials, deductions, retrospective pay corrections, etc., with limited direction.

+ Maintain and update employment records related to hiring, departures, position transfers, pay adjustments, and deduction changes in ADP Workforce Now.

+ Triage and resolve payroll discrepancies, escalating only when issues are especially complex or high-impact.

Labor & Union Payroll

+ Manage all payroll tasks for union teams, accurately applying contract stipulations including pay grids, premiums, and benefits deductions.

+ Complete and submit all required union benefit submissions, dues payments, and related reporting, ensuring compliance and punctuality.

+ Serve as the designated contact for union payroll concerns, supporting both audit and ongoing data inquiries.

+ Preserve comprehensive documentation of all union calculations and compliance evidence.

+ Uphold rigorous compliance with federal payroll tax withholding, reporting, and remittance regulations.

+ Confirm and reconcile payroll tax reports including 941s, 940s, W-2s, W-3s, and related annual/tax cycle deliverables.

+ Collaborate with internal colleagues and third-party providers (e.g., ADP) to quickly resolve tax alerts, notices, or discrepancies.

+ Maintain organized, up-to-date tax records and support routine tax audits and reconciliations.

+ Ensure proper taxation and documentation of fringe benefits, taxable/non-taxable compensation, and all payroll deductions.

+ Take expert-level responsibility for ADP Workforce Now, including advanced reporting, configuration, and problem-solving.

+ Partner with Benefits and HRIS leaders to implement system upgrades, while retaining full ownership of payroll execution and data quality.

Requirements

+ Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

+ Strong preference for those with CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification).

+ At least seven years of recent, hands-on experience running full-cycle, multi-entity payroll weekly.

+ Track record of managing IRS tax compliance, filings, and reconciliations within payroll environments.

+ Direct experience with union payroll, including remittance and reporting obligations.

+ Advanced skills using ADP Workforce Now and E-time platforms.

+ In-depth knowledge of payroll accounting, ledger connections, and payroll-related reconciliations.

+ Demonstrated history of autonomous payroll execution with a commitment to accuracy and accountability.

Long Term Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 Benefits available to contract professionals, include medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

The position is based in Chicago, IL with a 100% remote work model!

Apply today! Step forward and embrace the challenge to make a difference. Robert Half invites you to be part of an exciting journey

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and…