Senior Global Payroll Specialist
UL Solutions • Northbrook, IL • Full Time
Posted on Sat, Jun 6, 2026
The Senior U.S. Payroll and Tax Specialist is responsible for managing and processing payroll for employees across the United States, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. This role requires in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements. The specialist will collaborate closely with HR, finance, and external vendors to resolve payroll issues, implement process improvements, and maintain confidential employee data.
This is a full-time, hybrid (3 days on-site) position located at our Northbrook, IL office.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for processing semi-monthly payrolls for U.S. employees, including hourly and salary staff, ensuring accuracy.
- Maintain payroll records, including timesheets, salary adjustments, bonuses, and deductions.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. (federal/state/local) tax laws, payroll regulations, and labor standards.
- Tax Reporting & Year-End: Prepare, reconcile, and file year-end employee tax forms (Forms 941, W-2s, and state reporting) and submit required government filings.
- Research and resolve payroll tax notices, agency inquiries, employee questions, and tax discrepancies.
- Perform payroll tax account reconciliations and validate tax balances, payments, deductions, and adjustments.
- Data Management & Auditing: Review employee records for accuracy, including onboarding data, salary adjustments, and benefits deductions.
- Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless integration of payroll data and resolve discrepancies.
- Coordinate with external payroll vendors and government agencies as needed for audits, filings, or inquiries.
- Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
- System Administration: Utilize HR and payroll systems to manage payroll, run reports, and ensure data integrity.
- Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and taxation, providing clear and accurate information.
- Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with legal requirements and company policies.
- Stay current with changes in payroll laws and regulations.
- Assist with audits, reporting, and implementation of payroll system upgrades or process improvements.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field.
5+ years of payroll experience with a focus on U.S. payroll processing.
Extensive experience with HR and payroll platforms and related software (such as Oracle HCM, ADP Celergo, Ceridian Dayforce, and Oracle Finance).
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Advanced global payroll SOX compliance experience.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and manage multiple projects within different geographic regions simultaneously.
High level of integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Advanced proficiency in Excel.
Working Conditions
- Flexible schedule to accommodate payroll deadlines and country-specific requirements.
Collaboration with global and regional teams.
Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred certification is highly preferred.
Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $70,000 to $93,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 10% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), Holidays (9 days), Personal days (3 days) and sick time off (72 hours).