Payroll Operations Specialist

The Payroll Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while supporting employees across the organization. This role serves as a key point of contact for payroll inquiries, partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors, and helps maintain strong controls, audit readiness, and process efficiency.This is an opportunity to join a well-respected, people-first organization known for its collaborative culture, operational excellence, and to make a meaningful impact while working alongside knowledgeable, supportive colleagues.ResponsibilitiesPerform daily payroll audits, including termination reviews and timecard access verification.Manage weekly payroll exceptions, including thresholds, retroactive activity, and union rule compliance.Process and research ACH reversals and off-cycle payroll corrections.Set up, maintain, reconcile, and process union deductions and refunds.Monitor payroll activity within Oracle Fusion and identify discrepancies or irregularities.Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and adherence to established timelines.Serve as the primary owner of payroll-related Help Desk requests.Respond to employee and manager payroll inquiries accurately, timely, and professionally.Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and external vendors to research and resolve payroll issues.Provide clear communication and guidance on payroll-related matters.Follow established payroll controls, procedures, and escalation protocols.Maintain and update payroll procedures, desk guides, and documentation.Identify recurring issues, trends, and risks; recommend and support process improvements.Assist with internal and external audits, data requests, and reporting as assigned.Ideal Experience2-4 years of payroll experience.Proven experience running full-cycle payroll from start to finish.Strong background in payroll audits and reconciliation.Core HR system experience (required).Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables.Experience using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze and interpret payroll data.Experience with Oracle Time and Labor / Payroll (ideal but not required).Multi-state and Union payroll experience.Team-oriented, dependable, and deadline-driven.Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.Flexible and adaptable across industries and company sizes.Clear communicator with a customer-service mindset.The Larko Group is a women-owned, premier staffing and recruiting firm based in Chicago with a nationwide reach. We specialize in Direct Hire, Temp-to-Hire, and Temporary/Project placements across a wide range of roles, including Executive Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Personal Assistants, Chief of Staff, Office Managers, Receptionists, General Office, Event Support, Project Management, and Customer Service.