Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Degree
Timeline
Generic

TALIKIA KITCHEN

Chicago

Summary

Seasoned Payroll, Finance and Benefits Leader with extensive experience in disbursements, full-cycle payroll and finance operations and policy development, and compliance across multi-state and international landscapes. Proven expertise in team mentorship, strategic financial planning, and implementing KPI- metrics to enhance operational efficiency. Skilled at driving internal control improvements, facilitating audit readiness, and leveraging technology for process optimization. Equipped with extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, COBRA, benefits and regulation laws, and multi-state payroll and tax compliance. Advanced technologies, and optimizing workflows to enhance efficiency and accuracy within system flow. Combines deep expertise in payroll management, and operational efficiency with a proven ability to enhance onboarding processes and drive organizational development. Proven ability to analyze and improve processes, deliver actionable metrics, and foster strong vendor partnerships to achieve favorable terms and conditions. Hardworking and motivated professional with several years of experience and record of success in industry. Solid history balancing team performance, customer service targets and business objectives. Dedicated to working closely with employees to maximize productivity and optimize procedures. Decisive leader with good planning and organizational skills.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Payroll Controls, Tax and Recons Manager (Consultant)

Sony Entertainment
11.2024 - Current
  • Supervising cross-level team members, and managing end-to-end client invoicing including scheduling, budgets, and billing.
  • Adept at conducting federal and state tax audits, identifying best practices, and streamlining processes to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Consulted directly with clients to gather financial information, address tax concerns, and provide strategic recommendations on tax planning and compliance.
  • Conducted research and prepared correspondence on complex tax issues, delivering solutions tailored to client needs.
  • Acted as a resource for various departments, providing tax-related insights to meet client needs and improve business outcomes.
  • Conducted cross-functional collaboration initiatives that aligned payroll, HR, and Finance teams on compliance strategies.

Payroll Manager (Consultant)

California Academy of Science
09.2023 - 11.2024
  • Orchestrated team supervision, tax compliance, and payroll audit management in collaborating with HR, Finance, to ensure compliance with complex tax laws surrounding EIP (Employee Incentive Programs).
  • Proven track record in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), advising on tax implications for equity compensation, and ensuring accuracy in Year-to-Date (YTD) earnings and taxable income reporting.
  • Adept at leading cross-functional meetings to align company objectives with payroll and tax compliance strategies.
  • Supervised payroll team members, providing mentorship and setting clear performance objectives.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive training materials for payroll processes, ensuring team alignment with policies.
  • Partnered with equity providers to manage taxable income reporting for equity-related events, including vesting and exercise.
  • Provided strategic insights on payroll operations during cross-functional meetings, driving process improvements.
  • Improved YTD earnings reporting accuracy by 15% through streamlined training and integration processes.
  • Developed SOPs for payroll and AP team to reduce errors by 20% and enhance audit readiness.

Payroll Implementation Manager (Consultant)

Virtuna
06.2023 - 09.2023
  • Conducted discovery and requirements gathering to support the payroll configurations and client goals.
  • Led the configuration of payroll and workforce management functionalities, optimizing system workflows for efficiency and compliance.
  • Documented end-to-end processes, including client-specific requirements, test cases, and issue resolution logs for seamless implementation.
  • Conducted comprehensive system testing, identifying and addressing gaps to ensure system accuracy and reliability.
  • Created process documentation and training materials to support user adoption and ongoing system improvements.

Global Payroll Director (Consultant)

Sterling Backgrounds Check
08.2022 - 05.2023
  • Spearheaded payroll coordination/processing through third party vendors and compliance assurance such as tax reporting, benefits-records administration, and payroll systems maintenance.
  • Maintained all payroll-related accounts and responsible for the reconciliation and accuracy of accounts within the accounting system.
  • Improved the accuracy and timeliness of the payroll.
  • Expertise in overseeing the accurate and timely processing of invoices, reconciliations, and vendor payments while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
  • Reviewed and analyzed current payroll procedures in order to recommend and implement changes leading to best-practice operations.
  • Oversaw payroll systems management, recommending and implementing system enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • Conducted comprehensive audits of payroll procedures and records, identifying risks and ensuring compliance across all operations.
  • Oversaw the AP function, managing reconciliations of vendor statements and accounts payable sub ledgers.
  • Established internal controls to ensure compliance with financial policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Developed and delivered reports on AP metrics and vendor performance, providing actionable insights to stakeholders.
  • Identified inefficiencies in AP workflows, implementing solutions that enhanced accuracy and reduced processing time.
  • Partnered with business units to implement payrolls aligned with M&A strategies, ensuring seamless transitions and integration.
  • Provided strategic analysis of payroll trends, identifying cost-saving opportunities and areas for improvement in administration.
  • Mentored and developed payroll team members, setting performance goals and supporting professional growth through targeted training.

Payroll Manager (Consultant)

Fast Radius
06.2021 - 03.2022
  • Innovative Payroll Leader with expertise in providing thought leadership, identifying and implementing best practices, and driving process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Demonstrated success in automation initiatives and developing standards to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
  • Skilled at aligning payroll operations with organizational goals, delivering continuous quality improvements, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to optimize performance.
  • Great ability to identify discrepancies and apply consistent solutions.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills for managing a team of five.

Payroll and Benefits Manager (Consultant)

XSELL Technologies
Chicago, IL
12.2020 - 06.2021
  • Managed and trained a full team of two to accurately process semi-monthly payroll, including compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
  • Full support to Finance, management, and colleagues to align AP processes with organizational goals and maintain compliance with internal policies and regulations.
  • Precisely input data into Paylocity, including earnings, hours overtime, shift differential, commissions, special pays, benefits deductions, court orders, wage assignments, manual/void entries, and adjusting/correcting entries.
  • Oversaw the processing and reconciliation of employee expense reports, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and deadlines.
  • Managed vendor relationships by resolving payment discrepancies, negotiating terms, and streamlining communication channels.
  • Assisted management in improving and enforcing processes and procedures to provide the most efficient and accurate payroll service possible.
  • Monitored cash flow related to AP, collaborating with finance to optimize payment schedules and meet organizational financial goals.
  • Ensured timely and accurate reconciliation of accounts payable sub ledger to the general ledger, improving financial reporting accuracy.
  • Cultivated strong vendor relationships, addressing payment discrepancies and maintaining effective communication channels.
  • Worked closely with senior management on both team performance and other project-related activities.
  • Transitions company time and attendance system from T-Sheets to Paylocity time & attendance payroll platform.
  • Prepared and managed compensation and benefits program documents, including pay policies, incentive plan documents, etc.; for payroll and carriers to ensure accurate and proper payroll adjustments.

Senior Payroll and HR Administrator

James Hardie Building Products
Chicago, IL
01.2016 - 12.2020
  • Accurately process biweekly payroll, including the compilation of time-keeping records for payroll submission, processing personnel changes, and preparing and issuing manual checks on the off-cycle of payroll.
  • Perform various routine and complex administrative duties for over 2700 employees to administer the agency benefit programs, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex 125 Plan, Life, Disability Insurance, and Retirement Plans.
  • Precisely input data into ADP HR/Payroll, including new hires, terminations, earnings, hours overtime, shift differential, commissions, special pays, benefits deductions, court orders, wage assignments, manual/void entries, and adjusting/correcting entries.
  • Managed and completed all audits reporting for 401k and 5500 compliance testing for all highly compensated employees.
  • Processed a full cycle payroll for multi-state payroll and Canadian payrolls.
  • Head Liaison for all Canada LOA process, and Point of contact for US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Audit and verify Statement of Deposits to ADP quarterly and annual reports.
  • Audit W2’s.
  • Leader for all US best practice planning in coordination with the global payroll team on process improvement in order to refine and introduce new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Payroll Manager

IMS (Contract Position)
01.2016 - 12.2016
  • Prepared all month end reports for Finance – including accruals and quarterly reporting.
  • Reconcile general ledger accounts pertaining to payroll.
  • Researched and resolved problems and performed scheduled activities to support Finance for month end close.
  • Completed Sox Compliance testing.
  • Administered and processed Canada payroll.
  • Organized all monthly payroll journal entries, benefit allocations, and salary change reports for Accounting and Compensation.

Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Abercrombie & Kent
Downers Grove, IL
01.2013 - 12.2016
  • Coordinated and administered the company's benefits program, which included health and dental insurance, life and disability, and 401K plans.
  • Oversaw the outsourced relationship for managed disability and Family Medical Leave operations coordinating workflow with vendors and collaborating with HR Business Partners nationwide.
  • Developed, manipulated, and structured financial reports for financial analysis, forecasting, trending, and the analysis of the results related to payroll expenditures.
  • Identified any inconsistencies, potential problems, conducting relevant research, and follows-up on any problems, including contacting and working with faculty and staff regarding overpayment issues and ensuring restitution.
  • Processed and uploads of 401k spreadsheets for ACH pull following each payroll and uploading of all new hire information to DHS and Walton Management Company.
  • Kept abreast of current on new legislation and regulatory ruling affecting payroll, garnishments, taxes, and FLSA regulations, including proper taxation regarding employer and employee, paid benefits.
  • Processed epact payroll for International company in London, China, and Tokyo.

Senior HR Specialist

Coach to Coast Bus Line
South Holland, IL
01.2012 - 12.2013
  • Advised and influenced all management levels on the aspects of employee management and leadership with a focus on performance management, organizational development, and management effectiveness.
  • Designed and developed blended learning solutions that achieved the knowledge, skills, and behavioral changes needed to meet business goals.
  • Maintained knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resources functions and ensured policies, procedures, and reporting complied.
  • Worked with department heads and managers regarding discipline issues and made recommendations regarding corrective actions and terminations.
  • Advised employees on FMLA and LOA rights; managed the FMLA and LOA functions, including forms compliance, date tracking, and internal notifications.

Human Resource/Payroll Generalist

Sheraton Suites Hotel
Elk Grove, IL
01.2009 - 12.2012
  • Managed all administrative, human resources functions along with the consistent application of Archdiocesan benefits.
  • Facilitated benefits management includes health, life, voluntary life, worker compensation, FMLA, short-term and long-term disability, long-term care, pension, and 403 (b) contributions.

Education

Master of Human Resource - Legal Studies

Trinity University
Deerfield, IL

Master of Human Resources Management -

Keller Graduate School of Management
Downers Grove, IL

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management

Robert Morris College
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • ADP time management and workforce solutions
  • Kronos and Paylocity
  • SAP and HR software systems
  • Salesforce and Win-Team
  • Staff and employee management
  • Leadership and team management
  • Process improvement and operations analysis
  • Strategic planning and implementation
  • Financial accounting and risk management
  • Client relationship management
  • Training and development strategies
  • Cross-functional collaboration

Accomplishments

  • Developed and implemented total quality improvement, including educating external department staff, producing quality reports, and reducing response time to field liaisons.
  • Developed and implemented streamlined payroll and AP policies, reducing errors and turnaround time.
  • Maintained federal, state, and local tax implications, including analysis and approval of quarterly and year-end tax returns, W-2's, and preparation of amended returns.
  • Managed and completed a full Benefits Implementation via ADP Workforce-Now, Dayforce, which eliminated benefits errors and discrepancies and developed an almost paper-less benefits process.
  • Managed large-scale multi-state and international payrolls with precision and compliance.
  • Knowledge of international payroll processing for China, Australia, London, Tokyo, and Mexico.
  • Managed a full team of 7 and processed a total of 10,000 US employees and 2500 Canada Employees.

Degree

  • MHRM
  • MLS

Timeline

Payroll Controls, Tax and Recons Manager (Consultant)

Sony Entertainment
11.2024 - Current

Payroll Manager (Consultant)

California Academy of Science
09.2023 - 11.2024

Payroll Implementation Manager (Consultant)

Virtuna
06.2023 - 09.2023

Global Payroll Director (Consultant)

Sterling Backgrounds Check
08.2022 - 05.2023

Payroll Manager (Consultant)

Fast Radius
06.2021 - 03.2022

Payroll and Benefits Manager (Consultant)

XSELL Technologies
12.2020 - 06.2021

Senior Payroll and HR Administrator

James Hardie Building Products
01.2016 - 12.2020

Payroll Manager

IMS (Contract Position)
01.2016 - 12.2016

Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Abercrombie & Kent
01.2013 - 12.2016

Senior HR Specialist

Coach to Coast Bus Line
01.2012 - 12.2013

Human Resource/Payroll Generalist

Sheraton Suites Hotel
01.2009 - 12.2012

Master of Human Resource - Legal Studies

Trinity University

Master of Human Resources Management -

Keller Graduate School of Management

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management

Robert Morris College

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TALIKIA KITCHEN