Senior Payroll Specialist

JOIN US AND "CREATE YOUR VISION"

ABOUT US

S&S Activewear is a leading North American, tech-enabled specialty distributor of imprintable apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, athletic wear, headwear, workwear, scrubs, and accessories. We pride ourselves on being the “critical link” that enables our 100 brand partners such as Adidas, Columbia and Gildan to reach our hyper-fragmented base of customers, comprised of apparel decorators, eRetailers and promotional products distributors that embellish apparel items for diverse end consumer use cases (e.g., everyday wear, concerts, fitness attire, life events, team sports, etc.). At S&S, we differentiate in the market through a customer service focus, strategic product portfolio, world-class distribution infrastructure, a collaborative growth culture and a relentless focus on technology and innovation.

Our success has compounded since the Company’s humble beginnings in 1988 as a regional t-shirt distributor to a leading, multi-billion-dollar value-added distribution platform that drives market penetration for our suppliers while enabling the growth, operations, and fulfillment for a diverse range of customers across channels and business sizes.  We strive to be the apparel distributor of choice while inspiring and fostering growth for customers, employees, and suppliers through our core values of service, deep relationships, innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

S&S Activewear is currently searching for a skilled Payroll Specialist to become an integral part of our team at S&S Activewear. As a vital member in this role, you'll offer prompt and precise guidance on payroll processing and compliance matters, while delivering tailored payroll solutions that significantly enhance business operations, fostering client retention and expansion. In addition to meticulously reviewing and processing payroll data, you will also routinely be documenting any inefficiencies or errors, verifying the numerical accuracy of data based on hours worked, and ensuring prompt payment processing.

COMPENSATION AND SCHEDULE

Salary, exempt, (pay based on experience)

Full-Time, Monday - Friday 

Location: Onsite (Bolingbrook Office) or Remote Option 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and oversee bi-weekly and ad hoc multi-state payroll processing, leveraging advanced payroll systems to ensure exceptional accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Manage and audit payroll calculations, including wages, deductions, and withholdings for retroactive pay, leave adjustments, and salary modifications, adhering strictly to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review, reconcile, and approve payroll data, such as timesheets, bonuses, commissions, and other adjustments, with a strong focus on quality assurance and meticulous oversight.
• Stay informed on payroll laws, regulations, and industry best practices, acting as a compliance advisor to proactively mitigate risks and refine strategies in response to evolving requirements.
• Lead payroll tax compliance and audit initiatives by overseeing processes, ensuring regulatory adherence, and championing continuous improvement to strengthen organizational compliance.
• Collaborate strategically with HR to ensure data accuracy, foster alignment across functions, and support organizational goals.
• Address escalated payroll matters, providing professional, resolution-focused support for employee concerns regarding pay discrepancies, tax withholdings, and deductions.
• Prepare and present payroll reports to management and accounting teams, delivering actionable, data-driven insights to inform business decisions.
• Partner with the Payroll Manager to drive process improvements, implement system enhancements, and streamline payroll practices for greater efficiency.
• Take ownership of special projects and critical assignments, showcasing proactive problem-solving, independent decision-making, and strategic thinking.
• Provide leadership and mentorship within the team, building strong interpersonal connections and cultivating a high-performing, collaborative environment.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Proven experience in payroll processing, with at least 5 years in multi-state payroll operations.
• Strong expertise in payroll tax compliance and audit practices across federal, state, and local levels.
• Proficiency with advanced payroll software systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, or similar platforms).
• Solid understanding of payroll regulations, tax laws, and industry best practices.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead payroll initiatives and drive process improvements.
• Experience mentoring and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a resolution-oriented mindset for addressing escalated payroll concerns.
• Proven track record of identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and implementing streamlined practices.

TEAM COLLABORATION

• Collaborate effectively within a team framework and foster strong interpersonal connections with colleagues.
• Undertake special projects, assignments, and other tasks as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

S&S Activewear welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating a diverse culture and supporting human growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We conduct business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer, and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons. S&S participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.