Kaela Bauer
McHenry
Summary
Senior Payroll Specialist with 10+ years of payroll and HR operations experience, known for keeping payroll accurate, employees supported, and processes running smoother every cycle. I'm the go-to problem solver, team trainer, and "let's fix it" person when things get complicated. Ready for a fresh next step and excited to bring my leadership, systems expertise, and people-first mindset into a challenging new role.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Payroll Specialist
Synergy Flavors
Wauconda, IL
12.2019 - Current
- Led daily payroll operations and served as escalation point for complex payroll and HR issues.
- Processed and audited weekly/biweekly payroll for multiple entities, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Partnered with HR during open enrollment to implement benefit changes and resolve payroll-related concerns.
- Managed 401(k) processing and performed audits to ensure regulatory compliance and data integrity.
- Spearheaded ADP and Principal integrations, streamlining workflows and supporting vendor onboarding.
- Supported payroll integration for an acquisition, managing ADP implementation and configuration.
- Served as ADP SME, providing troubleshooting and guidance across HR and Finance teams.
- Set up and maintained multi-state/local tax jurisdictions and reconciled payroll journal entries in ERP systems.
Human Resources Representative
Grainger
Lake Forest, IL
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Resolve HR-related customer service issues and complete employee requests.
- Process organizational changes and employee updates.
- Process new hires, transfers, and terminations in SAP.
- Partner with payroll to resolve timekeeping issues using SAP and Kronos.
Senior Customer Support Associate
Aerotek
Crystal Lake, IL
10.2013 - 09.2019
- Provide HR, payroll, and benefits support for contract employees, clients, and local sales teams.
- Act as the main contact between local locations and the corporate office.
- Conduct new hire orientations and assist contract employees with onboarding paperwork.
- Process weekly payroll for 300+ employees, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
- Handle unemployment and workers' compensation claims and related documentation.
- Assist with payroll and invoicing issue resolution and employee questions.
Education
Bachelors - Psychology, Industrial/Organizational
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
10-2009
Skills
- Payroll Policy Implementation
- Compliance & Auditing
- System Integrations & Process Improvement
- ADP Workforce Now (WFN)
- Kronos
- Workday
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365)
- Employee Communication & Issue Resolution
- Training & Development
Timeline
Sr. Payroll Specialist
Synergy Flavors
12.2019 - Current
Human Resources Representative
Grainger
09.2019 - 12.2019
Senior Customer Support Associate
Aerotek
10.2013 - 09.2019
Bachelors - Psychology, Industrial/Organizational
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY