Payroll Specialist

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join our team.In this role, you will support the accurate and timely processing of the Company's multi-state payroll. This position is responsible for collecting, reviewing, entering, and validating payroll and timekeeping data; maintaining accurate payroll records; and assisting with payroll audits, reconciliations, reporting, and year-end activities.

What You’ll Do: 

• Support the preparation and processing of the Company's biweekly multi-state payroll, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established deadlines.
• Collect, review, enter, and validate payroll data, including new hires, pay changes, deductions, garnishments, tax elections, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Review employee time records and follow up on missing, incomplete, or inaccurate entries.
• Respond to employee payroll and timekeeping questions, research discrepancies, and coordinate with payroll leadership to resolve complex or unusual payroll matters.
• Audit payroll data and employee changes for accuracy and assist with payroll reconciliation, accrual tracking, reporting, and documentation.
• Support payroll activities related to employee offboarding, including final pay, accrued time, deductions, and other payroll-related requirements.
• Assist with year-end payroll and tax processing, reconciliation, and reporting, as well as payroll-related audits including workers' compensation and retirement plan audits.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data and supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll and tax requirements.
• Support payroll-related benefits administration, including deduction reviews, benefits audits, open enrollment changes, and reconciliation of carrier file feeds and employee benefit information.
• Maintain employee documentation and supports employment-related processes, including Form I-9 administration and administrative coordination of employment authorization and immigration-related processes.
• Prepare and maintain payroll-related reports and provide payroll information to supervisors, leaders, and internal business partners as appropriate.
• Assist with payroll, HR, and cross-functional projects, process improvements and support a collaborative, service-oriented, and safety-focused culture.

What You’ll Need:

• Associate degree in business, accounting, human resources, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 5-7 years of payroll administration or related experience preferred.
• Multi-state payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes, timekeeping, payroll deductions, and federal, state, and local payroll and tax requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to review detailed information, identify discrepancies, and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills with the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
• Ability to research payroll issues, resolve routine concerns, and escalate matters when appropriate. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive employee and payroll information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a responsive, service-oriented approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to effectively use payroll, HR, and related business systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively within the Human Resources team and across the organization.

Nice To Haves:

• Experience with automated and integrated payroll, timekeeping, HR, and benefits systems preferred; experience with ADP Workforce Now or Deltek Vantagepoint.
• Payroll certification, such as the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

Illinois Pay Transparency 55000 - 81000 USD