Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll | Payroll Specialist (Multi-State)Location: On-Site ( Chicago Downtown Office )About the OpportunityRobert Half is seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to join our Full-Time Engagement Professionals (FTEP) practice—a unique model offering full-time employment with the opportunity to support a range of client environments.This role is designed for a payroll professional who has owned end-to-end payroll operations within complex, multi-state organizations. You will be stepping into high-impact environments requiring accuracy, accountability, and the ability to navigate evolving payroll scenarios across multiple entities and employee populations.Core ResponsibilitiesOwn bi-weekly / semi-monthly multi-state payroll (1,000–2,000+ employees across multiple company codes)Process salary, hourly, commission, bonus, and off-cycle payrolls with a high degree of accuracyManage payroll tax compliance (local, state, federal) including audits, filings, and correctionsHandle quarter-end and year-end adjustments (W-2s, W-2c, YTD corrections, wage base limits)Oversee final paychecks, garnishments, and complex payroll scenarios across multiple statesPartner with Accounting, Treasury, and Benefits on reconciliations, deductions, and reportingBuild and deliver payroll reporting and variance analysis to leadershipSupport system implementations or migrations (UKG, PeopleSoft, ADP, etc.), including SOP developmentInvestigate and resolve payroll discrepancies with full ownership through resolutionQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field5+ years of full-cycle payroll ownershipProven experience processing payroll for 1,000+ employees across multiple statesStrong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and regulatory requirementsExperience managing:Off-cycle payrollsBonus and commission structuresPayroll adjustments and correctionsFinal pay with multi-state compliance requirementsSystems experience with at least one of the following:ADP WFN / SmartComplianceUKGPeopleSoftAdvanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP)Preferred ExperienceCPP or FPC certification ( THIS IS NOT REQUIRED )Exposure to payroll and accounting integration (AP, reconciliations, cash application)Experience supporting audits, clean-up initiatives, or system implementationsBenefits: Health insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, PTO, and more.Ready to apply or refer someone? Please reach out directly for confidential consideration.Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job and candidate matches faster.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.