Payroll Specialist

The Larko Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Larko Group is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll across base salary, commissions, bonuses, equity, and reimbursements. You will partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing.

Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years of payroll experience (public company preferred), familiarity with Workday or ADP, equity compensation processing, and strong SOX controls, compliance, and employee service orientation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a public company.
• Experience with equity compensation processing (RSUs, stock options).
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and multi-state payroll.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for exempt, non-exempt, and executive employees on a regular payroll cycle.
• Process off-cycle payrolls and special payroll requirements.
• Ensure payroll accuracy across earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, bonuses, and equity.
• Coordinate payroll activities related to equity compensation, including RSU vesting and stock transactions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Maintain SOX-compliant internal controls and assist audits.
• Prepare payroll reporting and analysis for Finance, Accounting, HR, and leadership.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities, including W-2s.
• Maintain and enhance payroll systems and documentation.
• Respond to employee questions regarding compensation, payroll, taxes, and benefits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multi-state payroll knowledge

Excellent communication

Adaptability to payroll tech

Education

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

Tools

Workday

ADP

Excel

AI/Automation tools (ChatGPT)

Job description

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for managing the company’s end-to-end payroll administration, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing across multiple compensation types, including base salary, commissions, bonuses, equity, and employee reimbursements. This role will partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and external payroll providers to maintain compliance, strong internal controls, and accurate payroll practices. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, comfortable working with technology and complex payroll processes, and committed to delivering a seamless employee experience.

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.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a public company environment.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi-state payroll.
• Experience processing equity compensation (RSUs, stock options) through payroll.
• Familiarity with commission and bonus payroll processing.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP) and Excel.
• Knowledge of AI, ChatGPT, or other automation software.
• Knowledge of benefits, compensation, and general HR regulations and laws preferred.
• Strong customer service skills with a focus on the employee experience.
• Highly proficient with Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Attention to detail, highly organized, strong interpersonal skills, team player, self-starter, discreet, excellent verbal and written communication skills, customer service, time management.