Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

The role encompasses comprehensive bi-weekly payroll processing for a substantial workforce of approximately 6,000 employees across 6 union groups, ensuring accurate and timely compensation. This involves effective collaboration with employees, managers, and colleagues across all departments to address and resolve payroll-related inquiries and concerns. The position requires a high degree of autonomy, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet strict deadlines. Maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards when handling sensitive employee data is paramount. A commitment to delivering consistently high-quality work product with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service is essential.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Process multi-cycle payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payment of salaries, wages, bonuses, and other earnings for a designated group of employees.
• Calculate and process a variety of deductions, including taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other withholdings, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including personal information, compensation, deductions, and time-off accruals.
• Review and verify timekeeping data, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies with employees and supervisors.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports, such as earnings statements, tax reports, and payroll summaries.
• Reconcile payroll data with general ledger accounts and resolve any discrepancies.
• Stay abreast of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax deposits and filings accurately and on time.
• Assist with year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation and distribution.
• Maintain knowledge of payroll best practices and internal control procedures.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll matters, providing timely and accurate information.
• Assist employees with resolving payroll issues, such as discrepancies in pay or deductions.
• Provide guidance on payroll policies and procedures.
• Assist with other accounting and finance tasks as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.

Education:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred (Business/Accounting preferred).
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation (preferred).

Experience/Knowledge:

• Minimum two (2) years of recent payroll processing experience with an organization with 100 plus employees.
• Knowledge of processing with an in-house payroll system (ex. Munis, Skyward, Workforce or similar platforms).
• Knowledge of payroll tax laws, tax levy and garnishment processing, government payroll regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and priorities under strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in Google suite and Microsoft Excel (ex. VLOOKUP, pivot tables).
• Possess a thorough understanding of the gross-to-net payroll calculation, including pre/post tax benefit deductions, tax withholding, mathematical calculations, gross-ups, and compliance with Federal, State and Local taxing authorities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and follow projects through to completion.
• Ability to handle sensitive employee data while maintaining confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Illinois State Pension plans (ex. Teachers Retirement System and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work on a computer over a major portion of the work day.
• Ability to lift or move 25 pounds.

Terms of Employment:

• This is a 12-month position. Salary and benefits are as established by the Board of Education.
• Salary Range The full salary range for this position is $49,787.00 - $74,680.00. It is our typical practice to hire in between the minimum and midpoint ($62,234.00). Benefit / Pension eligible