Payroll Specialist

Jump Trading Group is committed to world class research. We empower exceptional talents in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science to seek scientific boundaries, push through them, and apply cutting edge research to global financial markets. Our culture is unique. Constant innovation requires fearlessness, creativity, intellectual honesty, and a relentless competitive streak. We believe in winning together and unlocking unique individual talent by incenting collaboration and mutual respect. At Jump, research outcomes drive more than superior risk adjusted returns. We design, develop, and deploy technologies that change our world, fund start-ups across industries, and partner with leading global research organizations and universities to solve problems.

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our Chicago-based HR team. This role is responsible for managing payroll across multiple U.S. states and providing backup support for international payroll in the EU and APAC regions. You will play a critical role in ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with tax regulations, and effective collaboration with the Finance team for general ledger and month-end close processes.

This role is based out of the Chicago office with an expectation to work in the office a portion of each week.

What You’ll Do

• Payroll Administration: Prepare and update employee data for multi-entity payroll, including wage changes, work authorization, FLSA status, and adherence to internal pay policies.
• Payroll Processing & Audits: Execute and audit semi-monthly payroll, ensuring timely and accurate wage payments, bonus processing, and handling of retroactive adjustments.
• Off-Cycle Payments: Complete off-cycle payroll payments and report off-payroll benefits through on-demand payments and manual entries as needed.
• Time Tracking Compliance: Oversee time tracking for nonexempt employees, including preparing documentation and training staff on compliance.
• Data Review & Adjustments: Review, audit, and reconcile payroll registers; submit funding requests and make necessary corrections to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Accounting Support: Prepare post-payroll journal entries and provide monthly reports to the Accounting team for seamless financial reconciliation.
• System Maintenance: Troubleshoot and maintain Workday system integrations, working with the HR Workday team on upgrades and testing.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations; assist with tax reconciliations, audits, and year-end payroll activities.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with the global HR team to recommend changes to payroll policies and streamline processes.
• Other Duties as Assigned or Needed

Skills You’ll Need

• Experience: At least 3 years in payroll processing, with multi-state experience; international payroll experience is a plus.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Workday is ideal; advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, vlookups) required.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is desired.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact across all company levels and build relationships.
• Analytical Skills: Understanding of benefits administration (including 401k), payroll tax law, and state regulations.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Adaptability: Eagerness to learn other HR areas for cross-training and back-up support.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Problem-Solving: Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to resolve conflicts and payroll discrepancies within tight deadlines.
• Self-Motivated: A self-starter with intellectual curiosity and the initiative to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Positive Attitude: A healthy sense of humor and a passion for working in a collaborative environment.
• Reliable and Predictable Availability