Strategic Payroll Lead - Multi-State & Workday Expert

Addison Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 76,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

Job summary

Addison Group is seeking a Payroll Lead Contractor in Chicago, IL to own end-to-end multi-state payroll processing using Workday. You will ensure data integrity, handle year-end activities, and collaborate with HR and Finance to optimize payroll operations.

The role requires strong analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and excellent communication to translate payroll concepts for stakeholders, while maintaining compliance and driving process improvements.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing and knowledge of federal/state wage/hour laws and tax regulations.
• Hands-on Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred.
• CPP designation preferred; FPC considered.
• Experience with NetSuite or similar GL systems a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel; ability to build and interpret payroll reports.
• Technology-forward mindset; seek automation, improvements, and scalability in payroll processes.
• Excellent communicator who can distill complex payroll topics for non-payroll stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute bi-weekly multi-state payroll processing for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities via Workday Payroll.
• Maintain payroll data integrity with high accuracy across data collection, auditing, and entry.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll questions and discrepancies.
• Lead year-end processing including W-2 preparation, balancing, adjustments, and amendments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Manage payroll tax obligations and respond to notices with third-party systems.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and leadership on payroll-related inquiries.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, or integrations within Workday.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

CPP (certified payroll professional)

FPC

Tools

Workday Payroll

NetSuite

General ledger systems

Job description

Addison Group is seeking a Payroll Lead Contractor in Chicago, IL to own end-to-end multi-state payroll processing using Workday. You will ensure data integrity, handle year-end activities, and collaborate with HR and Finance to optimize payroll operations.

The role requires strong analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and excellent communication to translate payroll concepts for stakeholders, while maintaining compliance and driving process improvements.