Process bi-weekly multi-state payroll via Workday for exempt and non-exempt employees; manage payroll tax registrations and notices; support year-end W-2s and external audits; reconcile payroll bank transactions and GL accounts; partner with HR, Finance, and Treasury; create ad hoc reporting and drive payroll process improvements and automation.
WHO WE ARE
We are PEAK6, a leading investment firm, using technology to find a better way of doing things. The company's first tech-based solution was developed in 1997 to optimize options trading, and over the past two decades, the same formula has been used across a range of industries, asset classes, and business stages to consistently deliver superior results. Today, PEAK6 seeks transformational opportunities to provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and forward-thinking businesses. PEAK6's core brands include PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, FOCUS, We Insure, Evil Geniuses, Poker Power, Zogo, and Bruce Markets.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
PEAK6 Sr Payroll Specialist
PEAK6 is a leading investment firm headquartered in Chicago. More than 20 years ago, we were one of the first firms to develop sophisticated proprietary technology in our trading business. Today, we leverage our technical ingenuity and operational ability across a number of investment areas, spanning early- to mid-stage growth capital, operational control, trading, and sports management, with an eye toward providing value to the customer. Over the years, we have built and operated several leading financial technology firms and today our team includes a proprietary trading firm, a digital wealth clearinghouse, an outsource provider of flood insurance, a value investment arm, an incubation lab, and more.
As a member of the payroll team at PEAK6, you'll have a big impact on the firm by adding your payroll and analytical experience to our organization and employees in a rapidly growing environment and team. Additionally, our diverse business streams afford you the unique opportunity to grow across a variety of verticals, engaging you in unique challenges, projects, and technologies.
You'll be responsible for:
Process bi-weekly multi-state and multiple location payroll for exempt and non-exempt populations via Workday.
Maintain payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data into the payroll system.
Administer all payroll tax-related tasks including registering for new states, closing old accounts, and resolving all tax notices with third-party payroll systems.
Support the payroll manager with year-end W-2 preparation including processing, balancing, adjustments, and amendments.
Work directly with external auditors to provide requested information for annual audits.
Collaborate with internal partners in Human Resources and Finance to facilitate and improve payroll processes.
Partner with Treasury to ensure accurate funding requirements for payroll, taxes, benefits, and related items. Develop ad hoc financial and operational reporting as needed.
Update and reconcile monthly payroll bank transactions.
Participate in financial month-end close, including preparation of accruals, booking of payroll journal entries, and reconciliation of GL accounts.
Utilize technology to drive continuous improvement to PEAK6's payroll processes, reports, and controls.
Before you join us, you should have:
5+ years of experience in a fast-paced payroll environment exhibiting proficiency in all aspects of day-to-day payroll operations under the financial umbrella.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Working knowledge of federal and state payroll policies, including FLSA laws, overtime, and termination regulations.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation is a plus.
Working knowledge of Workday and related reporting tools.
Familiarity with general accounting principles and accounting systems; NetSuite experience is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software programs.
A tech-forward approach to managing day-to-day tasks - we love to automate and make things more efficient, and so should you.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
OUR REWARDS
We offer a robust package of employee perks and benefits, including healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision, EAP), competitive PTO, 401k match, parental leave, and HSA contribution match. We also provide our employees with a paid subscription to the Calm app and offer generous external learning and tuition reimbursement benefits. As a hybrid workforce, we offer our employees the ability to work remotely up to two days a week.
Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and office location. This position also may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to a range of health & wellness benefits, enhancing your overall compensation package.
Base Salary Range
$79,000-$98,750
PEAK6 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Our hiring practices ensure that all qualified applicants receive fair consideration without regard to these characteristics.
PEAK6 is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all candidates, including those with disabilities. We are dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please contact our HR department at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide the necessary accommodations to ensure your full participation in our hiring process.
#PEAK6
We are PEAK6, a leading investment firm, using technology to find a better way of doing things. The company's first tech-based solution was developed in 1997 to optimize options trading, and over the past two decades, the same formula has been used across a range of industries, asset classes, and business stages to consistently deliver superior results. Today, PEAK6 seeks transformational opportunities to provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and forward-thinking businesses. PEAK6's core brands include PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, FOCUS, We Insure, Evil Geniuses, Poker Power, Zogo, and Bruce Markets.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
PEAK6 Sr Payroll Specialist
PEAK6 is a leading investment firm headquartered in Chicago. More than 20 years ago, we were one of the first firms to develop sophisticated proprietary technology in our trading business. Today, we leverage our technical ingenuity and operational ability across a number of investment areas, spanning early- to mid-stage growth capital, operational control, trading, and sports management, with an eye toward providing value to the customer. Over the years, we have built and operated several leading financial technology firms and today our team includes a proprietary trading firm, a digital wealth clearinghouse, an outsource provider of flood insurance, a value investment arm, an incubation lab, and more.
As a member of the payroll team at PEAK6, you'll have a big impact on the firm by adding your payroll and analytical experience to our organization and employees in a rapidly growing environment and team. Additionally, our diverse business streams afford you the unique opportunity to grow across a variety of verticals, engaging you in unique challenges, projects, and technologies.
You'll be responsible for:
Process bi-weekly multi-state and multiple location payroll for exempt and non-exempt populations via Workday.
Maintain payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data into the payroll system.
Administer all payroll tax-related tasks including registering for new states, closing old accounts, and resolving all tax notices with third-party payroll systems.
Support the payroll manager with year-end W-2 preparation including processing, balancing, adjustments, and amendments.
Work directly with external auditors to provide requested information for annual audits.
Collaborate with internal partners in Human Resources and Finance to facilitate and improve payroll processes.
Partner with Treasury to ensure accurate funding requirements for payroll, taxes, benefits, and related items. Develop ad hoc financial and operational reporting as needed.
Update and reconcile monthly payroll bank transactions.
Participate in financial month-end close, including preparation of accruals, booking of payroll journal entries, and reconciliation of GL accounts.
Utilize technology to drive continuous improvement to PEAK6's payroll processes, reports, and controls.
Before you join us, you should have:
5+ years of experience in a fast-paced payroll environment exhibiting proficiency in all aspects of day-to-day payroll operations under the financial umbrella.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Working knowledge of federal and state payroll policies, including FLSA laws, overtime, and termination regulations.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation is a plus.
Working knowledge of Workday and related reporting tools.
Familiarity with general accounting principles and accounting systems; NetSuite experience is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software programs.
A tech-forward approach to managing day-to-day tasks - we love to automate and make things more efficient, and so should you.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
OUR REWARDS
We offer a robust package of employee perks and benefits, including healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision, EAP), competitive PTO, 401k match, parental leave, and HSA contribution match. We also provide our employees with a paid subscription to the Calm app and offer generous external learning and tuition reimbursement benefits. As a hybrid workforce, we offer our employees the ability to work remotely up to two days a week.
Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and office location. This position also may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to a range of health & wellness benefits, enhancing your overall compensation package.
Base Salary Range
$79,000-$98,750
PEAK6 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Our hiring practices ensure that all qualified applicants receive fair consideration without regard to these characteristics.
PEAK6 is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all candidates, including those with disabilities. We are dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please contact our HR department at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide the necessary accommodations to ensure your full participation in our hiring process.
#PEAK6
PEAK6 Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
The area around 141 W Jackson has been a focal point of businesses and visitors for over 150 years, recognized for its historical importance and architectural grandeur. With its first-class hotels, world-class restaurants, and premier retail offerings, it epitomizes Chicago and its residents.
Similar Jobs at PEAK6
Fintech • Information Technology • Financial Services • App development
Own product roadmaps and execution for trading tools, collaborate with traders and engineers to define user stories and acceptance criteria, prioritize backlogs, run usability testing, track KPIs, and drive product improvements to boost desk performance and efficiency.
Fintech • Information Technology • Financial Services • App development
Lead architecture and delivery of major platform initiatives, mentor engineers, drive cross-team alignment, reduce technical debt, anticipate and mitigate product-level risks, and influence technical strategy and roadmaps while managing medium- to large-scale projects with cross-functional impact.
Top Skills:
Ai Tooling And InfrastructureGoMongoDBNoSQLRedisSQL
Fintech • Information Technology • Financial Services • App development
Manage corporate accounting and consolidation for a multi-entity firm, lead a small accounting team, drive month-end close, maintain the general ledger and controls, support audits, implement process improvements and automation, and evaluate accounting software while supporting M&A and strategic investment accounting.
Top Skills:
AINetSuite
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

