Payroll Specialist

The Steely Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

The Steely Group is seeking a Payroll Contractor in Chicago to support day-to-day payroll operations with hands-on Workday expertise. The role involves equity, commissions, and garnishments, requiring on-site presence 2–3 days per week.

You will collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure accurate payroll processing, respond to employee inquiries, and maintain payroll documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Workday payroll experience required.
• 3–5 years of Workday experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with OSV.
• Experience processing equity-related payroll transactions.
• Hands-on experience managing wage garnishments.
• Experience processing commission and variable compensation payments.
• Pharmaceutical or life sciences industry experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, controls, and best practices.
• Excellent attention to detail with sensitive information.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines.
• Strong communication across HR, Finance, and other functions.

Responsibilities

• Support accurate and timely payroll processing using Workday.
• Process and administer equity-related payroll transactions.
• Process commission and other variable compensation payments for commercial employees.
• Manage wage garnishments, including setup, processing, reconciliation, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with OSV in payroll processing and related activities.
• Review payroll data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies before payroll run.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve issues.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders for accurate payroll information.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, and related activities.
• Maintain payroll documentation and internal controls in compliance with policies and regulations.

Skills

Workday payroll

Workday experience

Equity payroll processing

Garnishments management

Variable compensation payments

OSV experience

Payroll compliance

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Prioritization

Tools

Workday

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Our client, a growing commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Payroll Contractor to support day-to-day payroll operations. This individual will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and should bring hands‑on Workday payroll experience, along with experience managing more complex payroll activities including equity transactions, commissions, and wage garnishments.

This is a contract opportunity requiring an onsite presence 2–3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Support accurate and timely payroll processing using Workday
• Process and administer equity-related payroll transactions
• Process commission and other variable compensation payments, including payments for commercial employees
• Manage wage garnishments, including setup, processing, reconciliation, and ongoing maintenance
• Work with OSV in support of payroll processing and related activities
• Review payroll data for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues prior to payroll completion
• Research and respond to employee payroll questions and resolve payroll-related issues
• Partner with HR, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to ensure accurate payroll information and timely processing
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, and other payroll-related activities as needed
• Maintain appropriate payroll documentation and support internal controls and compliance requirements
• Ensure payroll activities are completed in accordance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations

** Qualifications:**

• Hands‑on Workday payroll experience required
• 3–5 years of Workday experience strongly preferred
• Candidates with a minimum of 1 year of hands‑on Workday payroll experience may be considered
• Experience working with OSV
• Experience processing equity-related payroll transactions
• Hands‑on experience managing wage garnishments
• Experience processing commission and variable compensation payments
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other life sciences industry experience is a plus
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, controls, and best practices
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately with sensitive and confidential information
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across HR, Finance, and other functions