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Payroll Specialist Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

AllSTEM Connections

Payroll Specialist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Corporate Payroll Specialist (US & Canadian Operations) Role Overview We are seeking a highly detailed and customer-service-driven Corporate Payroll Specialist to join our centralized financial ...

AllSTEM Connections

Payroll Specialist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Global Payroll Specialist (US & Canada) Role Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and service-driven Payroll Specialist to join our Corporate Payroll team. In this role, you will be the direct ...

AllSTEM Connections

Payroll Manager

Decatur, IL · On-site

$124K/yr

Senior Manager, North American Payroll Operations (US & Canada) Role Overview We are seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Senior Manager of Payroll Operations to lead our North American payroll ...

All JobsPayroll Specialist JobsPayroll Specialist Jobs in Decatur, IL

Payroll Specialist information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$14

$26

$38

How much do payroll specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll specialist in Decatur, IL is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $29.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll specialist?

Payroll Specialists are professionals responsible for processing employee paychecks, managing payroll records, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and company policies. They handle tasks such as calculating wages, withholding taxes, and distributing payments. Payroll Specialists also resolve discrepancies, answer employee questions about pay, and prepare reports for management. Their role is crucial for maintaining accurate and timely compensation for employees.

What does a payroll specialist do?

A payroll specialist is a member of a company’s accounting team and is the person responsible for ensuring all employees are paid what they are owed. Payroll specialists must be organized and efficient. They keep track of employee wages, work hours, vacation time, and other data using accounting software. Depending on the size of the company, they may also be responsible for preparing tax records and presenting end-of-year financial information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Specialist, you need a strong understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks, and often certification like the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), is highly valued. Exceptional attention to detail, confidentiality, and strong interpersonal skills help ensure accurate payroll processing and effective communication with employees. These competencies are crucial for maintaining compliance, minimizing errors, and fostering trust within an organization.

What are some common challenges payroll specialists face and how can they effectively address them?

Payroll Specialists often encounter challenges such as ensuring accuracy with complex wage calculations, keeping up with changing tax laws, and meeting tight payroll deadlines. To address these issues, it’s important to stay current with regulatory changes through ongoing training and to use reliable payroll software that automates calculations and compliance checks. Strong attention to detail, effective time management, and open communication with HR and finance teams also help prevent errors and ensure smooth payroll processing.

What is the difference between Payroll Specialist vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectPayroll SpecialistPayroll Clerk
CredentialsTypically requires payroll or accounting certifications, some college educationHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often part of HR or finance teamsOffice environment, administrative support role
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for payroll processing and complianceCommon in small to medium businesses for payroll data entry
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for payroll processing roles with more responsibilitiesCompared for entry-level payroll support roles

The Payroll Specialist typically handles complex payroll processing, compliance, and reporting, requiring specific certifications and experience. In contrast, the Payroll Clerk focuses on data entry and administrative tasks related to payroll. Both roles are essential in payroll operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is being a payroll specialist worth it?

A payroll specialist manages employee compensation, tax deductions, and compliance with labor laws, often using payroll software and maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for certification, and skills in finance and administration, making it a valuable career for those interested in HR and finance functions.

What degree does a payroll specialist need?

A payroll specialist typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of payroll software and understanding of tax laws and regulations, which can be gained through certifications or on-the-job training.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL?

The most popular types of Payroll Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Payroll Specialist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Payroll Specialist job openings:

Payroll Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Specialist job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,271 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

AllSTEM Connections

Decatur, IL • On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Corporate Payroll Specialist (US & Canadian Operations)
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly detailed and customer-service-driven Corporate Payroll Specialist to join our centralized financial operations team. In this high-visibility role, you will be a critical contributor responsible for supporting the end-to-end processing, reconciliation, and tax compliance of our cross-border workforce. Operating in a fast-paced environment, you will interact daily with personnel and localized management teams across all levels of the organization to resolve discrepancies and advise on payroll matters. The ideal candidate blends an intermediate understanding of accounting and mathematical procedures with an absolute dedication to data security and strict confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
Cross-Border Payroll Processing & Tax Compliance
• Multi-National Execution: Serve as a core processor for US and Canadian payrolls, ensuring absolute accuracy and timeliness for both exempt and non-exempt worker populations.
• Tax Documentation: Accurately complete, balance, and file standard annual and quarterly tax documentations across all corporate subsidiaries, including Form 941, W-2s, and Canadian T4s.
• Error Remediation: Actively problem-solve to remediate processing discrepancies, system anomalies, or calculations variances before payroll finalization.
• Financial Reconciliation: Complete and balance all required cyclical payroll reconciliations with high accuracy to maintain pristine general ledger compliance.
Data Governance & Operations
• System Management: Maintain corporate payroll databases and master data management platforms securely, performing calculations and data entries across legacy enterprise systems and mainframes.
• SOP Documentation: Ensure accurate process documentation is updated regularly, authors and maintains internal procedural manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Continuous Improvement: Approach payroll systems with a continuous improvement mindset, optimizing workflows to increase efficiency and mitigate data processing gaps.
Collaborative Advisory & Customer Service
• Management Liaison: Communicate effectively with local field management teams to collect timecard data, verify local payroll inputs, and minimize processing windows.
• Employee Support: Provide timely, empathetic, and professional guidance to employees regarding paycheck calculations, withholding questions, and tax inquiries.
• Strategic Projects: Support management by executing special data projects and gathering metrics to help optimize the payroll department's performance benchmarks.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of general office, bookkeeping, or corporate accounting experience (dedicated payroll processing experience is highly preferred).
• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of verified professional experience.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Strong foundational understanding of accounting principles, mathematical procedures, and payroll calculations.
• Technical Software Mastery: Proficient in the utilization of the Microsoft Office Suite-specifically advanced Excel functions for data comparison, Word, and Outlook-with a strong comfort level navigating enterprise master data systems and database architectures.
Core Behavioral Competencies
• Meticulous attention to detail with a demonstrated capability to locate small discrepancies across large datasets.
• Exceptional customer service, time management, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to work completely independently under tight deadlines while maintaining strict data confidentiality.
Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions
• Standard corporate office environment.
• Physical requirements include sitting for extended periods, working heavily on the telephone, bending, filing, and standing.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AllSTEM Connections is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AllSTEM Connections participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Additional Skills
(none specified)
AllSTEM Representative Contact Info
Account Executive:
Nichols
Branch Phone:
(909) 244-1777
Location:
Ontario, CA

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