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Payroll Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wesco

Lead Administrator - Global Payroll & Tax

Glenview, IL · On-site +1

$25 - $33.75/hr

... Manager to ensure accurate payroll tax reporting and minimize compliance risks across our international entities. Plays a key support role in an ongoing International Payroll Project, assisting ...

LiveWire Construction

Project Accountant

Calumet Park, IL · On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

Timely and accurate processing of project documentation such as certified payroll Project Financial Management: * Review and process change orders for entry into accounting software * Collect, review ...

LiveWire Construction Inc.

Project Accountant

Calumet Park, IL · On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

Timely and accurate processing of project documentation such as certified payroll Project Financial Management: * Review and process change orders for entry into accounting software * Collect, review ...

LiveWire Construction

Project Accountant

Calumet Park, IL

$57K - $75K/yr

Timely and accurate processing of project documentation such as certified payroll Project Financial Management: * Review and process change orders for entry into accounting software * Collect, review ...

Procom Services

212514 Project Manager

Saint Charles, IL

$96K - $114K/yr

Experience with payroll, tax, accounting, and financial processes and technology. * Experience with ... Experience of managing IT projects with personal accountability for delivering to time and cost for ...

M. J. Electric, LLC

Project Manager

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

... payroll, equipment and tool reporting - Manage and oversee all subcontractors - Review all job ... project financials - Extensive computer skills including familiarity with Access, Excel, and ...

Marmon

Sr. Payroll Specialist

Chicago, IL · Remote

$30.50 - $41.50/hr

This role combines deep payroll operations expertise with project support, process standardization ... This role will partner closely with Group Payroll Managers to support payroll migrations, process ...

M. J. Electric, LLC

Project Manager

Chesterton, IN · On-site

... payroll, equipment and tool reporting - Manage and oversee all subcontractors - Review all job ... project financials - Extensive computer skills including familiarity with Access, Excel, and ...

AltaStaff, LLC

Payroll Analyst

Chicago, IL

$27 - $29/hr

Prepares comprehensive reports for internal audits, management reviews, and union negotiations ... payroll projects * Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive payroll data in ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Sr. Payroll Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$30.50 - $41.50/hr

This role combines deep payroll operations expertise with project support, process standardization ... This role will partner closely with Group Payroll Managers to support payroll migrations, process ...

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All JobsPayroll Project JobsPayroll Project Manager JobsPayroll Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Payroll Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42K

$89.3K

$132.9K

How much do payroll project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll project manager in Chicago, IL is $89,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $103,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Project Manager, you need expertise in payroll processes, project management methodologies, and a solid understanding of compliance regulations, often supported by a degree in business or finance. Familiarity with payroll software systems (such as ADP or SAP), project management tools, and certifications like PMP or CPP are typically required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help in managing cross-functional teams and ensuring smooth project delivery. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate payroll execution, compliance with legal standards, and successful project implementation within deadlines.

What is the difference between Payroll Project Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Project ManagerPayroll Specialist
CertificationsCPP, FPC, PMP often preferredCPP, FPC common
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll projects, manages teamsHandles payroll processing, data entry
Employer UsageUsed in organizations with complex payroll systemsCommon in HR and payroll departments

The Payroll Project Manager focuses on managing payroll-related projects, ensuring timely implementation and process improvements, often requiring project management certifications. The Payroll Specialist handles day-to-day payroll processing tasks, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by payroll project managers during system implementations?

Payroll Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning project timelines with payroll cycles, ensuring data integrity during migration, and managing compliance with local and international regulations. Coordinating across multiple departments, such as HR, IT, and finance, can also present difficulties due to varying priorities and workflows. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and a clear understanding of both technical and payroll-specific requirements are essential to navigating these challenges successfully.

What does a payroll project manager do?

A payroll project manager oversees the planning, implementation, and management of payroll systems and processes within an organization. They coordinate with HR, finance, and IT teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery, often using project management tools and compliance standards. Their role includes managing deadlines, resolving payroll issues, and ensuring adherence to relevant regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Payroll Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Payroll Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Payroll Project Manager job openings:
Payroll Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,163 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Payroll Manager, Projects & Transformation (Oracle)

Gallagher

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 304 rated insurance

Job description

Introduction
Welcome to Gallagher - a global community of people who bring bold ideas, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We help clients navigate complexity with confidence by empowering businesses, communities, and individuals to thrive. At Gallagher, you’ll find more than a job; you’ll find a culture built on trust, driven by collaboration, and sustained by the belief that we’re better together. Whether you join us in a client-facing role or as part of our brokerage division, our benefits and HR consulting division, or our corporate team, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of something bigger. Experience a workplace where you’re encouraged to be yourself, supported to succeed, and inspired to keep learning. That’s what it means to live The Gallagher Way.

Overview

The Payroll Manager, Projects & Transformation partners directly with the Americas Payroll lead, manage payroll-related projects, support Oracle Payroll initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across the payroll function. This is a hands-on role within a lean team, requiring the successful candidate to personally execute many project deliverables while collaborating with HR, HRIS, IT, Finance, Benefits, and other business partners.
Approximately 60–70% of the role is dedicated to enterprise and cross-functional projects, while 30–40% focuses on improving payroll operations through process standardization, governance, compliance, and automation.


How you'll make an impact

The ideal candidate is a hands-on payroll professional who enjoys leading projects while remaining actively involved in execution. They are comfortable working independently in a small team, have deep Oracle Payroll expertise, excel at functional testing and process improvement, and can translate strategic direction into practical, scalable payroll solutions.

Primary Responsibilities:

Payroll Projects (60–70%)

  • Lead payroll-related enterprise and cross-functional projects.
  • Partner with HR, HRIS, IT, Finance, Benefits, and vendors on payroll initiatives.
  • Gather and document business requirements.
  • Develop and execute functional test plans, SIT, UAT, payroll validation, and defect resolution.
  • Support Oracle Payroll enhancements and optimization.
  • Challenge technical assumptions to ensure practical business solutions.
  • Personally execute project deliverables in a lean team environment.

Payroll Transformation & Operational Excellence (30–40%)

  • Review existing payroll processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Design and implement standardized payroll procedures.
  • Partner with the Americas Payroll Lead on governance and compliance reviews.
  • Develop operational controls and process documentation.
  • Identify automation opportunities that improve efficiency and reduce risk.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives across the payroll function.

About You

Required Qualifications

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required.
  • Deep experience with Oracle Payroll / Oracle Cloud HCM required.
  • 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including payroll projects and process improvement.
  • Experience leading business requirements, testing (SIT/UAT), and payroll implementations.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll operations, compliance, governance, and controls.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Compensation and benefits

At Gallagher, we believe supporting our colleagues goes far beyond the role itself. For more information, visit our Benefits page.

  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits programs designed to support your well-being 
  • Career development opportunities and ongoing learning 
  • A collaborative, people-first culture with accessible leadership 
  • The opportunity to do meaningful work with global reach and local impact 

At Gallagher, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. If your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay connected to additional career opportunities. At times, we will consider transferable skills from previous roles.

Gallagher is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required.
  • Deep experience with Oracle Payroll / Oracle Cloud HCM required.
  • 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including payroll projects and process improvement.
  • Experience leading business requirements, testing (SIT/UAT), and payroll implementations.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll operations, compliance, governance, and controls.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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