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 compliance requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and sense of accountability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a steady, fast-paced environment to consistently deliver results and meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee information.

Benefits and Perks of working for Cboe Global Markets

We value the total wellbeing of our people – including health, financial, personal and social wellness. We believe standard benefits like health insurance and fair pay are a given at any organization. Still, you should know we offer:

Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages with an upside for overachievement  Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days and annual community service days  Flexible, hybrid work environment  Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services  2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire  Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan   Tax Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation  Employee referral bonus program   Volunteer opportunities to help you give back to your communities  

Some of our associates’ favorite benefits and perks include: 

Complimentary lunch, snacks and coffee in any Cboe office  Paid Tuition assistance and education opportunities  Generous charitable giving company match  Paid parental leave and fertility benefits   On-site gyms and discounts to other fitness centers  Paid Time Off

More About Cboe Global Markets

We’re reimagining the future of the workplace by focusing on what matters most, our people.  Our journey is an inclusive one. We’re investing deeply in leadership programs and career development initiatives that ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed.  

We work with purpose, solving problems with ingenuity, collaboration, and a lot of passion. We’re an engaged and excited team connecting markets across borders and embracing growth in all its forms to achieve incredible outcomes. 

Learn more about life at Cboe on our website and LinkedIn.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any legally protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.  

#LI-CP1

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Salary Ranges (applicable for US locations only)

At Cboe, we are committed to providing a competitive, transparent, and market‑informed total rewards program. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $84,150-$108,900, with actual compensation determined by job‑related factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal alignment, and location.

This role may also be eligible for annual incentive compensation and, where applicable, participation in Cboe's long-term equity programs.

Additional information about Cboe's total rewards program, including benefits and other compensation components, can be found here: Total Rewards at CBOE.​
 

Any communication from Cboe regarding this position will only come from a Cboe recruiter who has a @cboe.com email or via LinkedIn Recruiter. Cboe does not use any other third party communication tools for recruiting purposes.