Payroll Specialist

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:

• Prepare and process US multi-state weekly / bi-weekly payroll for an excess of 16K team members using SAP
• 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[1]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[1]related mailings
• Knowledge of multi-state US payroll laws and practices required
• Knowledge of Canadian and/or Global 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.