We are looking for an experienced payroll leader to oversee accurate and compliant payroll operations for a dynamic organization in Chicago, Illinois. This role is suited for someone who combines deep technical payroll knowledge with strong judgment, responsiveness, and the ability to lead in a deadline-driven environment. The successful candidate will act as a trusted point of contact for payroll matters while partnering across teams to strengthen controls, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement. Responsibilities:• Direct the complete payroll cycle across recurring pay schedules, ensuring each run is completed accurately and on time.• Examine payroll data, reports, and supporting records to catch inconsistencies early and resolve issues before final processing.• Administer payroll-related obligations such as tax reporting, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other employee compensation transactions.• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour standards and applicable tax requirements.• Maintain organized payroll documentation, reconcile payroll-related ledger activity, and support month-end and year-end close activities.• Lead annual payroll reporting tasks, including preparation and distribution of W-2s and other required filings.• Serve as a primary resource for employees and managers by addressing questions related to pay, withholdings, deductions, and timekeeping.• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and external providers to resolve payroll matters and improve operational efficiency.• Guide and develop payroll team members through coaching, workload oversight, and performance support.• Review and authorize special payroll items such as adjustments, off-cycle payments, incentive compensation, and bonus payments. Benefits: <ul><li> Medical/dental/vision</li><li>401K</li></ul>

Keys• At least 5 years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including prior leadership or supervisory responsibility.• Strong command of payroll compliance requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.• Hands-on experience with payroll platforms and timekeeping systems, including environments with high employee volume.• Solid understanding of payroll tax, wage and hour rules, deductions, garnishments, and payroll accounting practices.• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with a high level of accuracy.• Ability to manage sensitive information discreetly while balancing multiple deadlines and competing priorities.• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support employees and collaborate across departments.

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 administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy">Privacy Notice</a>.

Chicago, IL
onsite
Permanent / Full Time
90000 - 115000 USD / Yearly
We are looking for an experienced payroll leader to oversee accurate and compliant payroll operations for a dynamic organization in Chicago, Illinois. This role is suited for someone who combines deep technical payroll knowledge with strong judgment, responsiveness, and the ability to lead in a deadline-driven environment. The successful candidate will act as a trusted point of contact for payroll matters while partnering across teams to strengthen controls, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement. Responsibilities:• Direct the complete payroll cycle across recurring pay schedules, ensuring each run is completed accurately and on time.• Examine payroll data, reports, and supporting records to catch inconsistencies early and resolve issues before final processing.• Administer payroll-related obligations such as tax reporting, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other employee compensation transactions.• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour standards and applicable tax requirements.• Maintain organized payroll documentation, reconcile payroll-related ledger activity, and support month-end and year-end close activities.• Lead annual payroll reporting tasks, including preparation and distribution of W-2s and other required filings.• Serve as a primary resource for employees and managers by addressing questions related to pay, withholdings, deductions, and timekeeping.• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and external providers to resolve payroll matters and improve operational efficiency.• Guide and develop payroll team members through coaching, workload oversight, and performance support.• Review and authorize special payroll items such as adjustments, off-cycle payments, incentive compensation, and bonus payments. Benefits: <ul><li> Medical/dental/vision</li><li>401K</li></ul>
2026-09-21T00:00:00Z