Payroll Specialist

TransChicago Truck Group; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a tech-savvy Payroll Specialist to manage full-cycle payroll operations for over 500 employees. This role requires strong experience with payroll systems and a proactive approach to process improvement. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with HR and vendors to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Qualifications

• 3-5 years payroll experience or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with high-volume, multi-state payroll.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing for 500+ employees.
• Automate and streamline reporting across payroll, benefits, and time tracking.
• Manage payroll-related audits with precision.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associates degree in Business Administration or Accounting

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Excel

Job description

TransChicago Truck Group is seeking a tech-savvy Payroll Specialist to lead our payroll operations with precision, efficiency, and innovation. In this role, you’ll manage full-cycle, multi-state payroll processes while optimizing systems and vendor partnerships to deliver seamless, tech-enabled results.

This is a key position at the intersection of HR, finance, and systems—ideal for someone who loves solving problems, building smarter processes, and turning data into action.

This role will be onsite at our Elmhurst location.

What You’ll Do:

1. Lead full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing for 500+ employees (hourly & salaried) using ADP Workforce Now.
2. Ensure seamless data flow between time & attendance and payroll systems, validating imports and resolving discrepancies quickly.
3. Own and optimize payroll-related workflows, from garnishments and adjustments to deductions and compliance updates.
4. Automate and streamline reporting across payroll, benefits, and time tracking—delivering insights that empower smarter decisions.
5. Collaborate with HR and vendors to identify process improvement opportunities across payroll and HRIS processes.
6. Prepare journal entries and lead month-end payroll close, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
7. Manage payroll-related audits (Workers’ Comp, union benefits, 401k) with precision.
8. Support retirement processing for union and non-union employees through digital documentation and workflows.
9. Stay ahead of legislative changes, system updates, and best practices to future-proof payroll operations.
10. Reconcile benefits between payroll and vendor invoices, including union welfare & pension monthly statements and other HR reports.

What You Bring:

• Strong experience with ADP Workforce Now and related time & attendance systems, or comparable systems.
• Demonstrated success managing external vendor relationships and driving service excellence.
• Experience with high-volume, multi-state payroll in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a knack for process improvement.
• Analytical skills with strong Excel capabilities, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-first approach.
• An Associates degree in Business Administration or Accounting with 3-5 years payroll experience or equivalent work experience.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation: $80,000-$95,000. Compensation will be based on experience, competencies, certifications, and education.
• Benefits:
  • Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Time, Holidays
  • Additional voluntary benefits including EAP, accident coverage, critical illness, cancer insurance, pet insurance, and identity theft insurance.

TransChicago Truck Group is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statuses.