Senior Workday Payroll Lead (Hybrid)

Talentify; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short/long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO)

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Processing Consultant for a 2 Day Hybrid Schedule in Chicago. You will lead end-to-end biweekly payroll across multiple entities in Workday, ensure data accuracy, and act as the escalation point for complex issues.

You will also manage year-end processing, payroll tax obligations, and ongoing compliance with wage/hour laws. Collaboration with HR, Finance, and leadership is essential to drive automation and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Workday Payroll Processing experience required
• 5–8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment
• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing and a strong command of federal and state compliance, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred; FPC considered
• Experience with NetSuite or similar general ledger systems a plus
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to build and interpret payroll reports
• A technology-forward mindset — you actively look for ways to automate, improve, and scale payroll processes
• Excellent communicator who can distill complex payroll topics for non-payroll stakeholders
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing competing priorities under tight deadlines

Responsibilities

• Lead end to end biweekly multi state payroll for exempt and non exempt employees across multiple entities in Workday
• Ensure payroll data accuracy through auditing, calculating, and maintaining records
• Act as escalation point for complex payroll issues and resolve discrepancies
• Manage year end processing including W2s, balancing, adjustments, and amendments
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations including wage and hour laws
• Manage payroll tax obligations including registrations, account closures, and tax notice resolution
• Monitor payroll tax law changes and implement updates
• Support external audits and maintain strong internal controls
• Serve as payroll subject matter expert for HR, Finance, and leadership
• Partner on onboarding, offboarding, pay changes, and benefits administration
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll, tax, and benefit funding
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and integrations, especially Workday
• Develop payroll reports and analytics for leadership insights
• Reconcile payroll accounts and support month end close activities
• Identify and drive automation and process improvements
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation for audit readiness

Skills

Workday Payroll

Multi-state payroll

Wage & hour compliance

Excel analytics

Automation mindset

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Education

CPP designation preferred

FPC considered

Tools

Workday

NetSuite

General Ledger Systems

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Processing Consultant for a 2 Day Hybrid Schedule in Chicago. You will lead end-to-end biweekly payroll across multiple entities in Workday, ensure data accuracy, and act as the escalation point for complex issues.

You will also manage year-end processing, payroll tax obligations, and ongoing compliance with wage/hour laws. Collaboration with HR, Finance, and leadership is essential to drive automation and process improvements.