Payroll Specialist

Gateway Foundation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Wellness Program

Employee Assistance

Job summary

Alpharus Health in Chicago, IL is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage employee lifecycle transactions, timekeeping, and payroll tax payments using UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Dimensions. Initial onsite work for 90 days, then 1–2 days remote each week.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma with accounting coursework, basic payroll knowledge, strong confidentiality, and Excel proficiency. Multi-state payroll experience preferred; in-house payroll for 500–700 employees is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with accounting coursework at a minimum.
• Basic payroll knowledge with a willingness to learn and be trained.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and team-oriented with strong communication skills.
• Basic Microsoft Excel, general Office, and payroll/timekeeping systems proficiency.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive payroll information.

Responsibilities

• Process employee lifecycle transactions including new hire paperwork, terminations, and salary changes.
• Maintain accurate electronic employee files and payroll records.
• Manage the payroll mailbox by reviewing and responding to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, and payroll issues.
• Process garnishments, child support orders, and other required wage deductions in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Prepare and process weekly and biweekly payrolls accurately and on schedule.
• Utilize UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Dimensions (Timekeeping) to review timesheets, validate hours, and ensure accurate payroll inputs.
• Coordinate with HR and managers to resolve discrepancies or missing information prior to payroll processing.
• Make tax payments to individual states and ensure timely filing of all required payroll tax obligations.
• Participate in year-end payroll processes, including W-2 review and distribution.
• Assist with payroll audits, reporting, and other compliance activities as needed.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma with accounting coursework

Tools

UKG Pro

UKG Workforce Dimensions

Job description

Who is Alpharus Health?

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

Why join us?

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. Join Alpharus Health today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Location:

315 N Racine Chicago, IL 60607

• First 90 days will be onsite. Once completed you will work 1-2 days remote (processing week 1 day remote and non-processing week 2 days remote)

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00PM or 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for:

• Process employee lifecycle transactions including new hire paperwork, terminations, and salary changes.
• Maintain accurate electronic employee files and payroll records.
• Manage the payroll mailbox by reviewing and responding to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, and payroll issues.
• Process garnishments, child support orders, and other required wage deductions in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Prepare and process weekly and biweekly payrolls accurately and on schedule.
• Utilize UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Dimensions (Timekeeping) to review timesheets, validate hours, and ensure accurate payroll inputs.
• Coordinate with HR and managers to resolve discrepancies or missing information prior to payroll processing.
• Make tax payments to individual states and ensure timely filing of all required payroll tax obligations.
• Participate in year-end payroll processes, including W-2 review and distribution.
• Assist with payroll audits, reporting, and other compliance activities as needed.

Requirements:

• Minimum (Required):
  • High School Diploma with accounting coursework at a minimum.
  • Basic payroll knowledge with a willingness to learn and be trained.
  • Reliable, detail-oriented, and team-oriented with strong communication skills.
  • Basic Microsoft Excel, general Microsoft Office, and payroll/timekeeping systems proficiency.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive payroll information.
  Preferred (Not Required):
  • 2–3 years of in-house payroll experience.
  • Experience with payroll taxes (multi-state a plus) and time & attendance systems.
  • Intermediate Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables).
  • Familiarity with general ledger and W-2 processes.
  • Experience processing payroll for 500–700 employees.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to continually proofread, check and verify data and calculations of detailed payroll records from printed form and computer monitor display.
• Ability to respond to telephone inquiries.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to enter, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a continual basis.
• Ability to pull, lift and transport files and documents to and from various locations within office or assigned location

Compensation:

• The range is between $23.00 - $27.25 per hour
• Starting rates are determined based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
• Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligbility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.

Benefits at Alpharus Health:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and time off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.