Payroll Manager

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606

The Manager of Payroll is responsible for overseeing and managing the Company’s payroll operations and ensuring pay is processed on time and accurately. This role blends technical expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of payroll systems and labor laws. This person will collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to standardize processes, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Manage and oversee the full-cycle payroll process for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple states on a weekly and bi‑weekly basis.
• Prepare payroll reports, variance analyses and audit support documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll processes by establishing and implementing an auditing and quality control process.
• Manage payroll tax filings, remittances, and year‑end processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll and timekeeping system issues promptly.
• Provide guidance, training, and workflow oversight to the Payroll Team with a focus on exceptional customer service and quality results.
• Handle complex payroll issues and employee escalations with professionalism and discretion.
• Lead internal and external payroll audits and respond to inquiries from auditors and regulators.
• Provide accurate, real‑time data to our Operations Leadership Team to enable them to make strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with Accounting on payroll-related reconciliations, journal entries, and audits.
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
• Act as the subject matter expert and stay current on payroll systems, regulations, and labor laws impacting the payroll process.
• Identify and implement process improvements, system enhancements, and controls to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and internal policy changes, and partner cross‑functionally to determine if payroll processes need to be updated.
• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality of payroll information.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field highly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in payroll operations across multiple states.
• 5+ years of experience in managing and motivating direct reports and teams.
• Expertise in payroll and tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels required.
• Experience with UKG (formerly known as Ulti Pro) and Workforce Management (formerly known as Kronos) preferred.
• Experience leading payroll and timekeeping system implementations, integrations, and upgrades with strong project management skills.
• Ability to streamline payroll processes and drive operational improvements.
• Ability to develop, improve, document and provide high quality deliverables.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills; strong ability to proactively identify and implement effective solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze payroll data and make data‑driven decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership.
• Ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with confidential matters.

• This role requires regular in‑person collaboration with team members at our Chicago Support Center.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance.
• Must be able to work in restrictive spaces and maintain concentration in a busy environment with moderate to high noise levels.
• Must manage several tasks at one time and handle frequent interruptions to meet the needs and requests of customers.

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

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