Payroll Specialist

The Equus Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

The Equus Group is a leading financial services firm in Chicago seeking a Payroll Specialist to join the payroll team. The role focuses on accurate U.S. payroll processing while supporting international payroll, tax compliance, reconciliations, and reporting.

You will work with Accounting, Tax, HCM, and other Finance teams in a hands-on, analytical, cross-functional environment. Hybrid work in Chicago and a discretionary annual bonus accompany a salary range of $90,000–$110,000.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of direct payroll processing experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting and local taxes.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process semi-monthly U.S. payroll for employees and expatriates across multiple states.
• Review monthly payroll for UK and Netherlands, including pension submissions and tax payments in coordination with local firms.
• Assist with quarterly and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax filings.
• Monitor and respond to employee and external payroll inquiries with a service-oriented approach.
• Partner with Accounting and Tax on payroll account and G/L reconciliations, audits, and reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements and controls to improve data integrity and minimize errors.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support compliance with payroll regulations.
• Collaborate with Human Capital Management, Tax, Accounting, and Finance teams for seamless information flow.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll accounting

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Discretion with confidential info

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Tools

Payroll platforms

Job description

Our client is a leading financial services firm in Chicago with a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial culture. They are seeking a Payroll Specialist to join their Payroll team and support a complex, multi-state and international payroll operation.

As a Payroll Specialist, you will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of U.S. payroll while also supporting international payroll, tax compliance, reconciliations, reporting, and process improvements. This role will work closely with Accounting, Tax, Human Capital Management, and other Finance teams, making it a great opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys a hands-on, analytical, and cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process semi-monthly U.S. payroll for employees and expatriates across multiple states.
• Review monthly payroll for employees in the UK and Netherlands, including pension submissions and tax payments in coordination with local firms.
• Assist with quarterly and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax filings.
• Monitor and respond to employee and external payroll inquiries with a strong service-oriented approach.
• Partner with Accounting and Tax teams on payroll account and G/L reconciliations, audit inquiries, and reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements and controls to improve data integrity and minimize errors.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support compliance with applicable payroll regulations.
• Partner cross-functionally with Human Capital Management, Tax, Accounting, and Finance teams to ensure seamless information flow.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of payroll experience, including direct payroll processing.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, state and local payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on proficiency with payroll platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong organization and time management skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting multi-state payroll.
• Exposure to international payroll, particularly UK or Netherlands payroll.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, tax filings, and audit support.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus.

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a leading financial services firm with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
• Gain exposure to complex multi-state and international payroll operations.
• Work closely with Accounting, Tax, Finance, and Human Capital Management teams.
• Take ownership of payroll processes while contributing to meaningful process improvements.
• Competitive compensation of $90,000–$110,000, plus an annual discretionary bonus.
• Hybrid work environment in Chicago.

The Equus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.