Hybrid Payroll Specialist (Temporary) - Equity & Compliance

THE LARKO GROUP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

The LARKO GROUP is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Chicago, IL (Hybrid) for a temporary role. You will manage end-to-end payroll for exempt, non-exempt, and executive employees, collaborating with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/HR and 3–5+ years payroll experience, including multi-state payroll and equity compensation, with proficiency in Workday or ADP and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a public company environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi-state payroll.
• Experience processing equity compensation (RSUs, stock options) through payroll.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP) and Excel.
• Knowledge of benefits, compensation, and general HR regulations and laws preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for exempt, non-exempt, and executive employees on a regular payroll cycle.
• Process off-cycle payrolls and other special payroll requirements as needed.
• Ensure payroll accuracy across earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, bonuses, and other compensation elements.
• Partner closely with HR and Finance to maintain accurate employee data and resolve payroll-related issues.
• Support benefits administration and other HR-related projects as needed.
• Coordinate payroll activities related to equity compensation, including RSU vesting, stock transactions, and equity awards.
• Ensure appropriate taxation and reporting of equity compensation in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Review and process complex commission structures, incentive compensation, and bonus calculations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls and payroll processes consistent with public-company/SOX requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, including payroll documentation, reconciliations, and testing.
• Monitor changes in payroll legislation, tax requirements, and reporting regulations.
• Reconcile payroll reports, general ledger activity, and tax filings.
• Prepare payroll reporting and analysis for Finance, Accounting, HR, and senior leadership.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities, including W-2 preparation and reporting.
• Maintain and enhance payroll systems, processes, and related documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Support payroll system upgrades, implementations, integrations, and related projects.
• Respond to employee questions regarding compensation, payroll, taxes, deductions, benefits, and equity.
• Provide knowledgeable, responsive, and confidential guidance on payroll-related matters.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Workday/ADP

Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field

Tools

Workday

ADP

Job description

The LARKO GROUP is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Chicago, IL (Hybrid) for a temporary role. You will manage end-to-end payroll for exempt, non-exempt, and executive employees, collaborating with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/HR and 3–5+ years payroll experience, including multi-state payroll and equity compensation, with proficiency in Workday or ADP and Excel.