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

Estimated Start Date: 11/2/2026

Role Scope: The Payroll Manager is responsible for the end-to-end administration of the organization's payroll function, serving as the primary owner of all payroll processes. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely compensation for all employees while maintaining the integrity of payroll data and driving continuous process improvements. The Payroll Manager operates at the intersection of Finance, HR, and Compliance — partnering cross-functionally to align payroll practices with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

Location: Remote, candidates based in Central and Eastern time zones preferred; candidates located elsewhere will also be considered

Core Responsibilities & Expectations for the Role

• Own and execute full-cycle payroll processing for all employee types (salaried, hourly, contractors) using the company's payroll module, ensuring on-time and accurate disbursements, reviewing and reconciling pre-payroll reports before each run, and investigating/resolving discrepancies prior to submission
• Process off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, and retroactive adjustments as needed
• Manage final pay calculations for terminated employees in compliance with applicable state law timelines
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee payroll inquiries — resolving issues related to pay stubs, direct deposit, tax withholding, corrections, and guiding employees through self-service payroll system features (pay stub access, W-4 updates, direct deposit setup)
• Manage tax filings and remittances, including quarterly 941s, annual W-2s, 1099s, and any state/local equivalents.
• Configure automated payroll workflows and approval chains to minimize manual intervention and reduce error risk.
• Participate in HR and Finance system projects, including implementations, upgrades, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Document all payroll processes, procedures, and internal controls to support consistency and business continuity.
• Coordinate with the HR/Benefits team to ensure accurate and timely payroll deductions for medical, dental, vision, 401(k), HSA/FSA, and other voluntary benefits
• Provide payroll data to support budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial planning activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field
• 2-5 years of progressive payroll management experience
• Experience processing payroll for 200+ employees across multiple states, including required experience with California and Illinois payroll
• Prior experience in a standalone or lead payroll role preferred
• Minimum 2 years of direct, hands-on experience administering payroll in Rippling (or similar small workforce management platform), including system configuration, pay group management, tax settings, and workflow automation
• Experience with additional platforms (ADP, Paylocity, Workday, etc.) is a plus including payroll system implementation, transition, and system training for employees
• Advanced skills for payroll reconciliation, VLOOKUP/pivot tables, and data analysis
• Understanding of how Rippling connects with benefits carriers, time & attendance systems, and GL platforms
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation preferred; FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) considered

Essential Functions & Physical Requirements

 The following statements describe the general nature of work and physical expectations common across roles at Habitat Health. Specific responsibilities may vary by position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Team members in this role may be expected to:

• Work in healthcare, administrative, community, or remote environments, depending on role needs.
• Communicate effectively with participants, caregivers, team members, and other stakeholders in person, by phone, and through electronic systems.
• Remain stationary and/or move about for extended periods, consistent with job duties.
• Operate standard office equipment and/or clinical tools (e.g., computers, phones, medical devices, documentation systems).
• Travel between work sites or community locations as needed.
• Follow safety procedures, infection control protocols, and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Perform tasks that may involve bending, reaching, lifting, or assisting participants, depending on role responsibilities.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull supplies, equipment, or materials typically up to 25–50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical aids as appropriate.

Compensation:  

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $100,000-$132,000. This position is also eligible for a target annual bonus of 10% and may be eligible for additional incentive compensation, as applicable.

The final compensation offered will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, certifications, geographical location, and business needs.

In addition, this position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid parental leave, short and long term disability coverage; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; a 401(k) savings plan that includes a match; paid time off; and company paid holidays.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Habitat Health is at-will. This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job posting or any other company document is intended to create a contract of employment, express or implied, or to alter the at-will nature of employment.

Any written or oral statements to the contrary are not authorized unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Company.

Because this is a remote position, employment will be governed by the laws applicable to the employee's work location, and applicable legal requirements will be followed.