HR Operations Specialist (Payroll & Benefits)
Location: Greater Chicago Area (Hybrid)
Compensation: $75,000 – $90,000 + bonus eligibility
Position Overview
A growing organization in the Chicago area is seeking a detail-oriented HR Operations Specialist to support payroll and benefits administration. This role partners closely with HR and Finance leadership to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient processing of payroll and employee benefits.
This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working across systems, data, and employee support functions.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Support
- Assist with payroll processing, including data entry, audits, and reconciliations
- Review payroll reports and identify discrepancies for resolution
- Support off-cycle payrolls, adjustments, and year-end activities
- Maintain accurate employee pay, tax, and deduction records
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance
- Support payroll tax registrations, notices, and updates across multiple states
Benefits Administration
- Support employee benefits programs, including enrollments, changes, and terminations
- Assist with open enrollment and employee communications
- Ensure accurate benefit deductions and coordination with payroll
- Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll and benefits
- Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and coordinate with vendors and Accounts Payable
- Assist with audits, reporting, and vendor management
HR Systems & Reporting
- Utilize HRIS systems (e.g., ADP or similar) for payroll and benefits processing
- Generate standard and ad hoc reports for HR and Finance
- Use Excel to reconcile data, track metrics, and support analysis
- Assist with system updates, testing, and process improvements
Process & Compliance
- Support documentation of payroll and benefits procedures
- Assist with compliance related to wage and hour laws and benefits regulations
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows and operational efficiency
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 4–7 years of experience in HR operations, payroll, and/or benefits administration
- Hands-on experience supporting payroll and benefits processes
- Working knowledge of payroll tax and benefits compliance requirements
- Experience with ADP or similar HRIS systems
- Strong Excel skills (data analysis, reconciliations, reporting)
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Why This Role
- High-impact role supporting critical HR and Finance functions
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Opportunity to contribute to process improvements and system enhancements
- Clear visibility across payroll, benefits, and HR operations