Payroll processor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director, Payroll

Real Chemistry is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead end-to-end payroll operations for our U.S. employee population of approximately 1,700 employees across multiple entities. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll execution across salaried, hourly, and temporary workforces. The Director will serve as a key partner to HR and Finance, oversee a small team, and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes, controls, and systems to support a growing, multi-entity organization.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead full-cycle U.S. payroll operations across multiple entities, including bi-monthly (salaried) and bi-weekly (hourly/temporary) payroll cycles
• Ensure accurate and timely processing for ~1,700 employees, including both permanent and contingent workforce populations
• Manage and develop a team of Payroll Analysts, providing coaching, performance management, and operational oversight
• Oversee payroll-related components including taxes, benefits, and 401(k), ensuring compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions
• Serve as a primary partner to HR and Finance on employee lifecycle events, reporting, reconciliations, and issue resolution
• Ensure compliance with all payroll regulations, including tax filings, audits, and resolution of agency notices
• Drive process optimization, documentation, and strengthening of internal controls to support audit readiness and scalability
• Support payroll-related system initiatives, including integrations and data flow optimization between payroll and HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, Workday)

Qualifications include:

• 810+ years of progressive payroll experience, including team leadership
• Deep expertise in multi-state U.S. payroll operations and regulatory compliance
• Hands-on experience with ADP (Workforce Now or similar platform) required
• Experience with Workday or other HRIS systems strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive data with a high level of accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality
• Strong cross-functional partnership skills with HR, Finance, and external providers
• Experience driving system implementations, integrations, and process improvements

Success in this role looks like:

• Payroll is consistently accurate, on time, and audit-ready
• Strong partnership with HR and Finance enabling seamless employee lifecycle processing
• Reduced manual processes through automation and system optimization
• Scalable payroll infrastructure that supports organizational growth

Pay Range: $135,000-$155,000

Real Chemistry is proud to be Great Place to Work certified; check out what our people shared about our culture and workplace on our Great Places to Work Profile here.

We believe we can do our best when feeling our best, which is why we've put together a benefits program designed to give you the support you and your family need at every stage of life. Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, tailored to your region. Globally, this includes offices in our key markets with free snacks to keep you running all day long, generous holiday and paid time off, options for private medical, dental, and vision plans, and support in saving for the future. Other perks include mental wellness coaching and support and access to more than 13,000 online classes with LinkedIn Learning. Learn more about our great benefits and perks and search specific offerings in your region at:

Real Chemistry is an Equal Opportunity employer. We continually strive to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees feel empowered to leverage all they bring from their personal lived experience and professional expertise, to make our team the best in the industry. We encourage motivated and qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Real Chemistry operates. Should you require accommodations throughout the interview process please let your recruiter know.

*Notice: Real Chemistry and its affiliates' names are being misused by scammers through messaging services, fake websites, and apps. Do not share personal or financial information or make payments to any unverified sources claiming to be connected to Real Chemistry. We are working to stop these unauthorized activities and protect our community. Read more here.