Payroll Specialist (HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST)

Job Requisition ID: 56609 Opening Date: 06/15/2026 Closing Date: 06/30/2026 Agency: Department of Early Childhood Class Title: HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 19693 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated 7/1/26 Starting Salary $6,820 monthly; Full Range $6,820-9,875 monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: N/A This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. Position Overview: The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its Payroll Specialist. The position involves performing complex and specialized functions related to timekeeping, payroll processing and retirement functions. This position ensures the accurate application of policies, procedures, and contractual requirements in all payroll-related activities. The Payroll Specialist leads the development, maintenance, and distribution of payroll, statistical and compliance reports to support departmental operations and decision-making. This role serves as a designated lead worker, providing guidance, training, and support to staff involved in timekeeping and payroll processes. The Payroll Specialist works closely with departmental leadership, HR, and external agencies to resolve issues, ensure data integrity, and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations. Apply today to join a team committed to making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family! Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including: Monday-Friday schedule Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid Parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. Essential Functions Under general direction of the Payroll & Timekeeping Program Manager, serves as Payroll Specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Performs complex, specialized professional duties relating to timekeeping and retirement functions for IDEC. Oversees the development, maintenance, and distribution of various payroll and statistical reports and correspondence. Serves as designated lead worker. Conducts periodic continuous quality improvement audit activities of payroll records. Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above. Specialized Skills Requires two (2) years of professional work experience overseeing and executing complex payroll operations for a Code-Covered State Agency utilizing Central Payroll Systems, eTime, and Central Time & Attendance System (CTAS). Requires two (2) years of professional work experience interpreting and applying state or federal statutes and administrative rules related to personnel transactions, such as the Illinois Personnel Code (20 ILCS 415), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and collective bargaining agreements. Minimum Qualifications Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college. Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years of professional work experience overseeing and executing complex payroll operations for a state, federal, or private entity. Two (2) years of professional work experience interpreting and applying state or federal statutes and administrative rules related to personnel transactions, such as the Illinois Personnel Code (20 ILCS 415), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and collective bargaining agreements. Two (2) years of experience independently processing payroll transactions using human resources and payroll systems including Central Payroll System (CPS), eTime, CTAS, SAP, IMSH, Personnel Examination PEERS, and Employee Central or similar systems. Two (2) years of professional experience managing and reconciling employee transactions, including promotions, transfers, salary adjustments, garnishments, deductions, leave balances, and direct deposit setup, while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy across multiple systems and pay periods. Two (2) years of experience coordinating or supporting internal/external payroll audits and quality assurance processes. Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to successfully pass an agency criminal history check through the Illinois State Police Requires the ability to use agency-supplied equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc. Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. About the Agency The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) was signed into law in June of 2024 with the focus of making early childhood education and care services simpler, better and fairer for families with young children across the state. During fiscal years FY25 and FY26, IDEC will be working through transitioning data, programs and services from three state agencies – the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), – to IDEC in order to be fully operational by July 2026. Illinois strives to be the best state in the nation to raise a family with young children and IDEC is committed to continue putting children and families center while reducing complexities and finding efficiencies in the system and advancing equity. Work Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Headquarter Location: 313 S 6th St, Springfield, Illinois, 62701 Work County: Sangamon Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Posting Group: Employee Services This position does contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs). APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account. If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: View email address on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io