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Payroll Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Steely Group

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Payroll Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $48/hr

Our client, a growing commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Payroll Contractor to support day-to-day payroll operations. This individual will play a key role in ensuring ...

New

Grainger Businesses

Payroll Tax Specialist

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$26.64 - $40/hr

Experience managing year-end payroll processes and distribution of all required tax documents to employees and contractors * Experience coordinating with payroll vendor for the timely distribution of ...

Grainger Businesses

Payroll Tax Specialist

Lake Forest, IL · Hybrid

$26.64 - $40/hr

Experience managing year-end payroll processes and distribution of all required tax documents to employees and contractors * Experience coordinating with payroll vendor for the timely distribution of ...

Grainger Businesses

Payroll Tax Specialist

Lake Forest, IL · Hybrid

$26.64 - $40/hr

Experience managing year-end payroll processes and distribution of all required tax documents to employees and contractors * Experience coordinating with payroll vendor for the timely distribution of ...

Boxer Exteriors

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Office Manager

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Payroll & contractor compliance: Manage and oversee contractor documentation across all entities -- ensuring proper classification, timely filing, and clean records. * HR & people operations: Support ...

Dentsu Aegis Network

Manager, FP&A

Chicago, IL

$108K - $142K/yr

Analyzecost structure (payroll, contractor, allocation models) and develop recommendations tooptimizecost efficiency andmarginhealth. * Partner with practice management on resource planning and cost ...

KPMG LLP

ERP Developer - Workday

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

... Payroll business processes, integrations, reporting, testing, and production support. • Bachelor's degree in Finance or a related field. KPMG LLP ("KPMG") seeks a contractor in the United States to ...

Robert Half

Full Charge Bookkeeper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

... Contractor. * Maintain system security settings, user permissions, and appropriate access controls. * Protect sensitive financial data and ensure system confidentiality and data integrity. Payroll ...

Populus Group

Human Resources Specialist

Lombard, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $20.50/hr

Work with the Payroll Services Specialist (PSS) on any follow up needed with the contractor to ensure an accurate payroll process. * Work to advance the contractor's career through performance ...

New

Amcor plc

Contractor - Treasury

Deerfield, IL

This activity requires communication with various competencies, such as HR/Payroll, Tax, A/R, A/P, business groups, etc. -Work with Global Treasury Analyst to consolidate global cash flow forecast ...

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All JobsPayroll Contractor JobsPayroll Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Payroll Contractor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$92.1K

$137K

How much do payroll contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll contractor in Chicago, IL is $92,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,100.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll contractor?

Payroll Contractors are professionals or agencies hired by organizations to manage and process employee payroll on a contract basis. They handle tasks such as calculating wages, withholding taxes, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining payroll records. By outsourcing payroll functions, companies can save time, reduce errors, and stay compliant with legal and tax regulations. Payroll Contractors may also assist with year-end tax forms and reporting. Their services are especially valuable for businesses without a dedicated in-house payroll team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll contractor?

To thrive as a Payroll Contractor, you need expertise in payroll processing, tax regulations, and compliance, typically supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks and certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate payroll processing and client satisfaction. These skills are crucial for maintaining legal compliance, minimizing errors, and fostering trust with clients or employers.

What are the typical challenges faced by a payroll contractor, and how can they be managed effectively?

Payroll Contractors often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequently changing tax laws, managing multiple clients with varying payroll systems, and ensuring strict deadlines are met for payroll processing. Effective organization, strong attention to detail, and ongoing professional development are key to managing these challenges. Building good communication with client HR and finance teams also helps streamline data collection and minimize errors, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery.

What is the difference between Payroll Contractor vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll ContractorPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required; experience preferredOften requires certifications like CPP or FPC
Work EnvironmentContract basis, often freelance or temporaryFull-time or part-time in an organization
Employer UsageHired by companies for specific payroll projects or seasonal needsEmployed directly by companies to manage payroll processes
Common Search IntentComparing freelance vs in-house payroll rolesUnderstanding payroll job responsibilities and qualifications

The main difference between a Payroll Contractor and a Payroll Specialist lies in employment status and certification. Payroll Contractors are usually temporary or freelance workers without formal payroll certifications, hired for specific projects. Payroll Specialists are typically full-time employees with relevant certifications, managing ongoing payroll functions within a company.

Payroll Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Contractor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,091 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

The Steely Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30 - $48/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 2 days ago

New

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Job description

Our client, a growing commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Payroll Contractor to support day-to-day payroll operations. This individual will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and should bring hands-on Workday payroll experience, along with experience managing more complex payroll activities including equity transactions, commissions, and wage garnishments.
This is a contract opportunity requiring an onsite presence 2–3 days per week. 
Responsibilities:

  • Support accurate and timely payroll processing using Workday
  • Process and administer equity-related payroll transactions
  • Process commission and other variable compensation payments, including payments for commercial employees
  • Manage wage garnishments, including setup, processing, reconciliation, and ongoing maintenance
  • Work with OSV in support of payroll processing and related activities
  • Review payroll data for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues prior to payroll completion
  • Research and respond to employee payroll questions and resolve payroll-related issues
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to ensure accurate payroll information and timely processing
  • Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, and other payroll-related activities as needed
  • Maintain appropriate payroll documentation and support internal controls and compliance requirements
  • Ensure payroll activities are completed in accordance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations

Qualifications:

  • Hands-on Workday payroll experience required
  • 3–5 years of Workday experience strongly preferred
  • Candidates with a minimum of 1 year of hands-on Workday payroll experience may be considered
  • Experience working with OSV
  • Experience processing equity-related payroll transactions
  • Hands-on experience managing wage garnishments
  • Experience processing commission and variable compensation payments
  • Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other life sciences industry experience is a plus
  • Strong understanding of payroll processes, controls, and best practices
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately with sensitive and confidential information
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across HR, Finance, and other functions