Payroll Specialist, Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Temporary

THE LARKO GROUP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

The LARKO GROUP is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Chicago, IL (Hybrid) for a temporary role. You will manage end-to-end payroll for exempt, non-exempt, and executive employees, collaborating with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/HR and 3–5+ years payroll experience, including multi-state payroll and equity compensation, with proficiency in Workday or ADP and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a public company environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi-state payroll.
• Experience processing equity compensation (RSUs, stock options) through payroll.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP) and Excel.
• Knowledge of benefits, compensation, and general HR regulations and laws preferred.

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.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Workday/ADP

Excel

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Workday

ADP

Job description

Payroll Specialist, Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Temporary

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.