Sr. Payroll Specialist

Job Description: Building trusted markets — powered by our people At Cboe Global Markets, we inspire our people to solve complex challenges together because what we do matters. We provide the financial infrastructure that powers the global economy. As a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, Cboe delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world.  We’re building meaningful ways to support professional and personal development while strengthening the trust we’ve earned as a global market leader. Our teams are empowered to share ideas, actively pursue them and bring on a challenge. As champions of internal mobility and access to opportunity, we encourage our people to “go for it” and equip our managers with the training to coach their teams to the next level. We strive to provide employees a safe space to network, share ideas and create opportunities.   To support strong partnership and team connection, this role follows a four day in office work model. Location Overview Cboe HQ is located in the historic Old Post Office district, it’s a landmark that blends classic architecture with modern amenities. The building features expansive spaces with high ceilings and large windows, offering an abundance of natural light and panoramic views of the city skyline and the Chicago River. With its prime location in the heart of downtown, the OPO Building provides easy access to major transportation hubs, including Union Station and multiple CTA lines, making it convenient for commuters. The building is home to a variety of amenities, including restaurants, a fitness center, and collaborative workspaces, creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment in one of Chicago's most iconic areas. Role Overview The Senior Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for a multi-state employee population of more than 1,000 employees, while also assisting with international payroll activities. As a key member of a highly experienced and collaborative Payroll team, this position is responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and delivering exceptional service to employees and business partners. The role includes processing payroll, conducting audits and reconciliations, identifying and resolving payroll discrepancies, and ensuring adherence to established payroll controls and compliance requirements. Leveraging strong payroll expertise, analytical skills, and Workday Payroll experience, the Senior Payroll Specialist supports operational excellence through payroll administration, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives. The successful candidate is a highly organized and detail-oriented payroll professional with a strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting critical deadlines. Your responsibilities will be: Payroll Administration Prepare and process semi-monthly payroll for 1,000+ employees located across multiple states, including salaried and hourly populations. Ensure payroll data is accurately processed, including earnings, taxes, bonuses, deductions, and other compensation elements. Review and audit payroll-related administrative changes for accuracy and compliance. Run retroactive payroll calculations and maintain supporting reports and documentation. Assist with international payroll administration and related reporting activities. Auditing, Reconciliation, and Reporting Analyze and audit 401(k) deferral and loan files to ensure accuracy and compliance. Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely and accurate manner. Prepare and review payroll audit reports, including transportation benefits, lunch gross-up programs, remote work stipends, and other payroll-related payments. Analyze Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) contributions and prepare reporting summaries. Generate payroll reports and provide payroll-related data and analysis to management, Finance, Human Resources, and auditors. Perform or assist with various accounting responsibilities, including monthly journal entries and account reconciliations as needed. Compliance and Employee Support Maintain payroll records related to earnings, deductions, taxes, and other payroll transactions in accordance with company policies and legal requirements. Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and applicable international payroll regulations. Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, direct deposit, tax withholding, deductions, and time reporting. Partner with Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure payroll data integrity. Process Improvement and Special Projects Participate in payroll process improvement initiatives and recommend opportunities to increase efficiency and strengthen controls. Support payroll system testing, enhancements, and upgrades, including Workday-related projects. Assist with year-end activities, audits, and special projects as assigned. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required. The ideal candidate has Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment required. Experience processing payroll for 1,000+ employees. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred. Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll preferred. Proven proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reconciliations, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reporting. Experience administering wage garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders. Experience calculating and auditing gross-up payments. Experience working in a SOX-controlled or publicly traded company environment. Strong understanding of payroll accounting, payroll taxes, and