Financial Analyst III (Payroll Analyst) JP33032

Payroll Analyst
(Financial Analyst III JP33032)
12-month contract to start
North Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
$40-$45/hr based on benefit selection
 
Orion Group is seeking a Payroll Analyst for our pharmaceutical client to support global payroll operations. This role is responsible for processing and validating payroll transactions, supporting pre- and post-payroll activities, and ensuring data accuracy across assigned countries.
This is a detail-oriented role ideal for someone with hands-on payroll processing experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work with global payroll vendors and internal stakeholders.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Review and validate payroll files and reports (e.g., reconciliation files, bank files) generated internally or by global payroll vendors
• Support pre- and post-payroll activities, including data validation, payroll audits, and ensuring completeness of payroll inputs
• Process and correct payroll transactions for assigned countries
• Analyze payroll data within Workday and related systems to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Generate reports, analyze results, and identify discrepancies or trends
• Perform root cause analysis to resolve payroll errors from internal teams or third-party vendors
• Support year-end payroll activities, including payroll calendars and tax reporting communications
• Respond to inquiries from internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, Tax, Treasury) regarding payroll data and reporting
• Assist with overpayment and severance processing
• Maintain detailed audit trails and documentation for compliance and audit readiness
• Support internal and external audit requests with required documentation
• Provide support in answering employee and manager payroll-related inquiries
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure accurate and timely payroll execution
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives

 
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Experience in payroll processing and operations, including working with third-party payroll vendors
• Working knowledge of payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Ceridian, or SuccessFactors
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and perform root cause analysis
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain data accuracy
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience supporting global or multi-country payroll is a plus

 
Key Stakeholders
HR / BHR • HR COEs • Finance • Treasury • Tax • Accounting
HR Operations • Global Payroll Vendors • Business Technology Solutions (BTS)
 
Key Traits for Success

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Collaborative and customer-focused approach
• Continuous improvement mindset

People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.