Payroll Specialist I (Control Code: 140797)

TITLE: Payroll Specialist I

REPORTS TO: Director of Accounting

JOB SUMMARY: The Payroll Specialist I supports the payroll function by maintaining primarily certified employee payroll records, processing timesheets, and assisting in payroll preparation and verification. This role ensures accuracy in timely payroll reporting, semimonthly payroll preparation, supports payroll compliance, and provides responsive service to district staff. This position serves as a backup role to the Payroll Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Process and maintain accurate certified staff payroll records including but not limited to onboarding, leave of absence cases, workman's compensation, terminations, retirement track limits, and more.
• Ensure compliance with wage and liability reporting for state and federal laws.
• Prepare and balance pay period Gemini reporting for TRS.
• Process and maintain staff deductions including 403b, 457b, TRS SSP, and more.
• Periodic assistance with payroll processing.
• Process and maintain wage garnishment orders.
• Ensure compliance with CBA's along with federal and state guidelines and established practices.
• Assist with data collection and processing time worked for payment each pay period including electronic and paper timesheets.
• Generate financial reports as needed.
• Collaborate with appropriate parties during projects.
• Assist with developing and documenting procedures on new projects.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance and data integrity.
• Respond to inquiries as needed.
• Accurately compute wages and deductions.
• Replace lost or missing paychecks.
• Assist with the annual reporting of certified staff salary information to Teachers Retirement System.
• Communicate effectively with buildings and other departments.
• Act as backup for Payroll Supervisor as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• BS or BA degree
• 3-5 years of comparable knowledge and skills gained through work experience
  
  

Experience

• Minimum three years of experience in payroll preferred
• Teachers Retirement System experience preferred
• Tyler software preferred
  
  

Other Skills And Abilities

• Ability to function effectively as a member of the central office.
• Ability to bring ideas and work as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a central office team
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Work is performed in a standard office environment with minimal exposure to noise, hazards, or extreme conditions.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The work year for this position is 12 months. The salary is based on LUDA market comparisons as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

SALARY RANGE: $57,000-$65,000

Benefits

• Medical/Vision and Dental coverage through BCBSIL
• FSA and Dependent DayCare accounts
• Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability insurance
• IMRF contribution included in base salary
• 403B
• Yearly professional development allotment
  
  

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the District Classified Director Performance Evaluation process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER