Payroll Assistant Remote Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

• Become part of a unique entrepreneurial team. Think independently, use your initiative, and take some risks. Entrepreneurship is a powerful force that drives the growth not only of our firm but our clients and people.
• Unlock the power of opportunity. Advance your career in a thriving company with a startup feel. We invest in your professional development every step of the way.
• Work in a values-driven culture. At Simon-Kucher, our vision is to become the world's leading growth specialist. Our values guide the way we do business and communicate our distinctiveness. They sum up what we stand for, influence our culture, and drive how and why we do things.
• Invest in your future. All US and Canadian employees enjoy 401(k) & RRSP benefits with company matching.
• Prioritize your health and well-being. No matter where you live, we offer a competitive suite of health benefits to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
• Enjoy balance and flexible working. Be empowered to do your best work - whether it's from home or in the office.

Core Responsibilities:

• Payroll Leadership & Compliance
  • Lead all payroll operations for US and Canada employees, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing.
  • Oversee payroll administration, reconciliations, audits, tax compliance, garnishments, and payroll-related reporting.
  • Establish and maintain best-in-class payroll controls, governance processes, and operational procedures.
  • Manage payroll vendors and support ongoing payroll technology enhancements and process improvements.
• Benefits & Total Rewards Administration
  • Lead the administration of all US and Canada benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave-related benefits.
  • Partner with brokers and vendors to deliver competitive and cost-effective benefit offerings.
  • Oversee annual open enrollment planning, communications, system updates, and employee education.
  • Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, and program utilization.
  • Provide guidance and support for LATAM benefits.
• Strategic Benefits & Total Rewards Leadership
  • Support the development of North America benefits and total rewards strategies.
  • Conduct market benchmarking and analysis to inform program design and competitiveness.
  • Lead vendor selection processes, contract negotiations, and RFP activities.
  • Develop recommendations related to wellness initiatives, leave programs, executive benefits, and employee value proposition enhancements.
• Financial Management & Analytics
  • Manage payroll and benefits budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Support headcount planning, labor cost analysis, accrual calculations, and executive reporting.
  • Develop dashboards, metrics, and analytics to support business and leadership decision-making.
• Global Mobility & International Support
  • Oversee cross-border payroll considerations, global mobility coordination, and international assignment payroll impacts.
  • Provide payroll and benefits oversight for LATAM operations in partnership with regional stakeholders.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop the Senior Payroll & Benefits Coordinator.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, customer service, and operational excellence.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll and benefits matters.

Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience managing payroll and benefits administration across a multi-state US environment and Canada
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success managing payroll, benefits, and related compliance activities within a partnership and/or equity ownership environment.
• Deep knowledge of payroll administration, including gross-to-net payroll processing, payroll taxation, payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Strong understanding and practical application of federal, state, provincial, and local employment regulations, including FLSA, wage and hour laws, ERISA, FMLA, payroll tax requirements, and employee benefit regulations.
• Experience developing and implementing payroll and benefits policies, processes, controls, and compliance frameworks in a complex, growing organization.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders, manage competing priorities, and drive organizational change in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align payroll, benefits, and total rewards programs with broader business objectives.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make recommendations based on business and financial metrics.
• Excellent consulting, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
• Demonstrated experience working within matrixed and global organizations, partnering effectively across HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, and external vendors.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically, balancing day-to-day operational excellence with long-term process improvement and organizational growth initiatives.
• CPP certification preferred