Director of Payroll Operations

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead the payroll team, ensure accurate tax treatment, and manage semi-monthly payrolls for union and non-union staff. You will enhance payroll processes, oversee internal controls, and coordinate with HR and IT to ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency rules.

The role requires strong leadership, GAAP knowledge, Kronos experience, and a proactive approach to audits and process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline or in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in payroll.
• Eight (8) years of payroll processing experience working with Kronos timekeeping or other payroll systems.
• Five (5) years of supervisory or management level experience.
• Knowledge of CBAs in relation to payroll activities, rules, and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of GAAP and accounting standards.
• Knowledge of DOL/Wage and Hour rules and IRS requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and ERP systems such as D365.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll operations including tax treatment, withholdings, retirement savings, and direct deposits.
• Lead staff in ERP updates, testing, and module implementations to maintain payroll functionality.
• Establish internal controls and compliant processes across payroll activities.
• Perform audits and respond to issues with internal and external stakeholders.
• Authorize payroll payments including employer taxes and fringe benefits (approx. $300M).
• Coordinate time-off approvals, staffing, and vacancies; ensure policy compliance.
• Recommend hiring, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Payroll processing

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Kronos

ERP systems (D365)

Job description

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead the payroll team, ensure accurate tax treatment, and manage semi-monthly payrolls for union and non-union staff. You will enhance payroll processes, oversee internal controls, and coordinate with HR and IT to ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency rules.

The role requires strong leadership, GAAP knowledge, Kronos experience, and a proactive approach to audits and process improvement.