Payroll Manager

PLS; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits

401(k)

Vacation

Opportunities for Advancement

Ongoing Training

Job summary

PLS is seeking a Payroll Manager based in Chicago to oversee payroll operations for approximately 3,500 employees. The role requires expertise in payroll systems and regulations.

The successful candidate will ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance with laws, and lead internal audits. Strong leadership skills and a bachelor's degree are preferred.

Benefits include medical, vacation, and more, with a competitive salary range of $110,000 to $120,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in payroll operations across multiple states.
• 5+ years of experience in managing direct reports.
• Expertise in federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle payroll process for approximately 3,500 employees.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws.
• Lead internal and external payroll audits.

Skills

Payroll Operations Experience

Leadership

Compliance

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Tools

UKG (formerly UltiPro)

Workforce Management (formerly Kronos)

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Payroll Manager

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606

Position Overview

The Manager of Payroll is responsible for overseeing and managing the Company's payroll operations and ensuring pay is processed on time and accurately. This role blends technical expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of payroll systems and labor laws. This person will collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to standardize processes, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the full‑cycle payroll process for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple states on a weekly and bi‑weekly basis.
• Prepare payroll reports, variance analyses, and audit support documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll processes by establishing and implementing an auditing and quality control process.
• Manage payroll tax filings, remittances, and year‑end processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll and timekeeping system issues promptly.
• Provide guidance, training, and workflow oversight to the Payroll Team with a focus on exceptional customer service and quality results.
• Handle complex payroll issues and employee escalations with professionalism and discretion.
• Lead internal and external payroll audits and respond to inquiries from auditors and regulators.
• Provide accurate, real‑time data to our Operations Leadership Team to enable them to make strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with Accounting on payroll‑related reconciliations, journal entries, and audits.
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
• Act as the subject matter expert and stay current on payroll systems, regulations, and labor laws impacting the payroll process.
• Identify and implement process improvements, system enhancements, and controls to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and internal policy changes, and partner cross‑functionally to determine if payroll processes need to be updated.
• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality of payroll information.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field highly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in payroll operations across multiple states.
• 5+ years of experience in managing and motivating direct reports and teams.
• Expertise in payroll and tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels required.
• Experience with UKG (formerly known as UltiPro) and Workforce Management (formerly known as Kronos) preferred.
• Experience leading payroll and timekeeping system implementations, integrations, and upgrades with strong project management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, etc.).
• Ability to streamline payroll processes and drive operational improvements.
• Ability to develop, improve, document and provide high quality deliverables.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills; strong ability to proactively identify and implement effective solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze payroll data and make data‑driven decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership.
• Ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with confidential matters.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This role requires regular in‑person collaboration with team members at our Chicago Support Center.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance.
• Must be able to work in restrictive spaces and maintain concentration in a busy environment with moderate to high noise levels.
• Must manage several tasks at one time and handle frequent interruptions to meet the needs and requests of customers.

Benefits

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug‑free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at [e-mail] to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

Illinois Pay Band

$110,000 - $120,000 USD