US Payroll Specialist

Why This Role Matters

The Payroll team at Aeris plays a critical role in ensuring every employee is paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with all federal and state regulations. Payroll accuracy directly impacts employee trust, satisfaction, and the company’s ability to scale smoothly.

This role exists to provide dedicated ownership of US payroll, allowing the broader global payroll team to focus on international growth and complexity.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a junior payroll professional to build deep expertise in US payroll operations within a fast‑growing, international company.

You will:

• Own day‑to‑day US payroll processing
• Gain hands‑on experience with multi‑state payroll and compliance
• Work closely with a global payroll leader based in EMEA
• Have a clear growth path into international (EMEA) payroll exposure over time

If you’re organized, detail‑oriented, and eager to grow your payroll career, this role offers both stability and long‑term development.

What You’ll Do

• Process bi‑monthly US payroll accurately and on time
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Manage and reconcile 401(k) contributions, funding, and audit support
• Respond to employee payroll questions with a high level of service
• Support year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 preparation and submission
• Assist with payroll audits and process improvements
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external vendors as needed

What Success Looks Like

First 90 Days

• Fully onboarded to payroll systems and processes
• Assisting with payroll runs and reconciliations
• Comfortable handling basic employee payroll inquiries
• Independently managing 401(k) monitoring and funding

By 12 Months

• Fully owning US payroll with minimal supervision
• Managing quarterly and annual filings confidently
• Proactively identifying process improvements
• Beginning cross‑training and exposure to EMEA payroll operations

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience processing US payroll
• Working knowledge of:
• • Multi‑state payroll requirements
  • Year‑end processes (W‑2s, reconciliations)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Willingness to learn complex regulations and new systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rippling (nice to have, not required)
• Payroll certification and/or college education
• Exposure to 401(k) administration

Team & Culture

• Part of a small, global payroll team (US, EMEA, APAC)
• High collaboration despite regional autonomy
• Supportive, learning‑oriented environment
• Opportunity to work closely with a highly experienced global payroll leader

Location & Reporting

• Chicago, IL only (no remote or alternate locations)
• This role does not manage others
• Reports to an EMEA‑based payroll leader

Why Join Aeris

• Build deep, in‑demand US payroll expertise
• Gain early exposure to global payroll operations
• Stable role with clear growth trajectory
• Supportive team in a fast‑growing international company