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Payroll Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

Be Seen First

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 ...

New

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 ...

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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 20, 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 Tax Specialist

Grainger Businesses

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$26.64 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Grainger rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 365 rated logistics

Job description

Work Location Type: Hybrid
Req Number 331867
About Grainger
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.
Compensation
The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $26.64 - $40.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to % or $ , based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.
Rewards and Benefits
With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
  • 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
  • 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
  • Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
  • Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger's benefits, please click on the link below:
https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire
Grainger Benefits
The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.
The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above.
Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.
Position Details:
Responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling all aspects of the payroll function. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative duties involving the development and maintenance of the payroll system, internal control records, and day-to-day processing operations and related accounting entries as needed. Provides exceptional quality and delivery of timely and accurate payroll results for an excess of 16K employees.
This is a hybrid position based in Lake Forest, IL 2-3 days a week.
You Will:
  • Review tax forms including federal, state, and local payroll tax forms, including quarterly 941s, annual 940s, W2s, W-3s, and 1099s
  • Perform comprehensive pre- and post-payroll audits to validate employee earnings, deductions, taxes, and net pay calculations.
  • Administer payroll balancing and reconciliation activities while adhering to internal controls and SOX compliance requirements.
  • Support internal and external payroll audits by providing documentation, reconciliations, and responding to audit inquiries.
  • Reconcile payroll tax filings
  • Execute pre and post payroll audits to ensure accurate payments
  • Adhere to internal control processes including payroll balancing and other internal control compliance
  • Prepare off-cycle payrolls and manual checks as necessary
  • Manage wage garnishments processed by ADP Calculate and process compensation continuation payments
  • Reconcile and audit third party inbound/outbound payroll files
  • Manage relationship with third party vendor
  • Critically review and analyze current payroll processes and recommend changes leading to best-practice operations; update and document processes
  • Coordinate with internal and external auditors to assist with payroll audits
  • Build strong partnership with customers by providing superior service
  • Assist with payroll related projects as required

You Have:
  • BA/BS or equivalent preferred
  • Working ability in SAP, ADP, and Kronos is preferred
  • Experience reviewing federal, state, and local payroll tax forms, including quarterly 941s, annual 940s, W-2s, W-3s, and 1099s
  • Experience reconciling payroll tax filings and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
  • Experience ensuring proper setup and withholding of taxes across multi-state jurisdictions
  • 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 year end forms and any other payroll related mailings
  • Knowledge of multi-state US payroll laws and practices required
  • Knowledge of Canadian and/or Global payroll laws and practices preferred
  • Knowledge of multi-state tax regulations preferred

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

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About Grainger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Industry

Office administration and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, IL, US

Year founded

1927

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