Consultant

The Hackett Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hackett Group is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll processes for clients remotely. You will ensure accurate, timely payments, oversee off-cycle processing, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

You will analyze payroll data, address discrepancies, and provide guidance on tax implications, garnishments, and audits. Strong communication with clients and teams is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in payroll or a related position.
• Certification in payroll management (CPP or FPC) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of tax regulations, labor laws, and garnishment compliance.
• Experience with payroll audits and compliance checks.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payments to employees.
• Review and reconcile payroll reports to ensure compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Manage daily off cycle processing for ad hoc payments.
• Prepare reconciliation of periodic reports for government entities, such as tax filings and garnishment answers and interrogatories.
• Monitor and address changes in payroll-related regulations to keep the organization compliant.
• Provide expert advice to clients on payroll procedures, tax implications, and employee garnishments.
• Support audits and provide documentation as required.
• Train client staff on payroll systems and best practices.
• Identify areas for automation and process improvement within payroll systems.

Skills

Payroll

Compliance

Garnishments

Data Analysis

Communication

Training

Process Improvement

Education

CPP or FPC certification

5+ years payroll experience

Tools

Oracle

ADP

SmartCompliance

Microsoft Office

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing and Maintenance

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payments to employees.
• Review and reconcile payroll reports to ensure compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Manage daily off cycle processing for ad hoc payments

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Prepare reconciliation of periodic reports for government entities, such as tax filings and garnishment answers and interrogatories.
• Monitor and address changes in payroll-related regulations to keep the organization compliant.

Advisory Role

• Provide expert advice to clients on payroll procedures, tax implications, and employee garnishments.
• Support audits and provide documentation as required.
• Train client staff on payroll systems and best practices.

Systems Optimization and Integration

• Identify areas for automation and process improvement within payroll systems.

Necessary Skills

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in payroll software such as Oracle and ADP, SmartCompliance as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve errors efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: High accuracy is essential in processing payroll to avoid mistakes and ensure compliance.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with clients, and management to address payroll inquiries and provide training.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot payroll system issues and recommend solutions.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in payroll or a related position.
• Certification in payroll management (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional (CPP or FPC)) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of tax regulations, labor laws, and garnishment compliance.
• Experience with payroll audits and compliance checks.

Working Conditions

• Full time remote but may require occasional travel to client sites.
• Collaboration with Clients, Management, and MS departments.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines during payroll cycles.