Payroll Specialist (HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST)

Payroll Specialist (HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST) We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome. Reasonable Accommodation Statement The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application. Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation. Sponsorship for Employment The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Disclosure of Salary Information In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials. 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 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. Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including: 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr