Director, Payroll

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

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago seeks a Director of Payroll to lead the payroll operations for union and non-union staff, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely disbursements.

The role guides ERP systems, improves processes, collaborates with HR and IT, and manages a multi-million-dollar payroll function with emphasis on internal controls and regulatory adherence.

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 terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in relation to payroll activities, rules, and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP) and standards.
• Considerable knowledge of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division; the U. S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service, and other local, state, and federal agencies and their annual reporting requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); with knowledge of an ERP system operations such as D365 or similar business operating systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the agency.
• Strong planning and organization skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to analyze and reconcile financial data.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with tact and courtesy.
• Ability effectively manage, lead, and delegate tasks across multiple functional areas.
• Ability to interpret and apply payroll principles, legal requirements, and systems processes.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
• Preferred: Experience with payroll processing for an organization with multiple unions.
• Preferred: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance to the teams assigned to ensuring proper tax treatment, accounting, disposition of withholdings, deductions, retirement savings, and other salary reductions; ensure accurate and timely disbursements.
• Take steps to resolve complex problems, processing delays, and inaccuracies.
• Assign staff to participate in user testing of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system during updates, enhancements, or module implementations to ensure continued payroll functionality.
• Establish strong internal controls; oversee the development and implementation of efficient processes, procedures, and reporting that comply, and align, with agency and accounting standards and reflect industry best practices.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place to provide reasonable assurances of accurate and timely payroll payments and related records, tax withholdings through the electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS), transmission of direct deposits to financial institutions, and prudent payroll management practices.
• Work closely with Human Resources, Information Technology (IT), as well as external institutions that receive proceeds from payroll deductions; perform audits to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data and processes; and manage activities and responses to audit issues, both internal and external.
• Responsible for processing and approving appropriate payments of the agency's payroll, including employer taxes and fringe benefits, which approximates $300 million.
• Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
• Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.
• Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
• Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline

Tools

Kronos

D365

Microsoft 365

Job description

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Salary Range

$119,653.00 - $179,480.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Financial Affairs is headed by the Chief Financial Officer and divided into four groups: Treasury; Accounting, Budget and Management Analysis and Business Efficiency & Process Improvement. The core mission of these groups is to provide accurate financial information so that Metra can run its business efficiently. Together these departments employ approximately 100 people.

Reporting to the Controller, the Director, Payroll will direct and oversee all aspects of payroll operations, including the accounting, reconciliation, analysis and preparation of semi-monthly payrolls for union and non-union employees; the enhancement of the payroll processes and systems; and ensure all activities are in compliance with agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership and guidance to the teams assigned to ensuring proper tax treatment, accounting, disposition of withholdings, deductions, retirement savings, and other salary reductions; ensure accurate and timely disbursements; and take steps to resolve complex problems, processing delays, and inaccuracies. Assign staff to participate in user testing of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system during updates, enhancements, or module implementations to ensure continued payroll functionality. Establish strong internal controls; oversee the development and implementation of efficient processes, procedures, and reporting that comply, and align, with agency and accounting standards and reflect industry best practices. Ensure adequate internal controls are in place to provide reasonable assurances of accurate and timely payroll payments and related records, tax withholdings through the electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS), transmission of direct deposits to financial institutions, and prudent payroll management practices. Work closely with Human Resources, Information Technology (IT), as well as external institutions that receive proceeds from payroll deductions; perform audits to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data and processes; and manage activities and responses to audit issues, both internal and external. Responsible for processing and approving appropriate payments of the agency's payroll, including employer taxes and fringe benefits, which approximates $300 million. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

• 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.


• In addition to #1, 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 terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in relation to payroll activities, rules, and practices.


• Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP) and standards.


• Considerable knowledge of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division; the U. S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service, and other local, state, and federal agencies and their annual reporting requirements.


• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); with knowledge of an ERP system operations such as D365 or similar business operating systems.


• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the agency.


• Strong planning and organization skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.


• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to analyze and reconcile financial data.


• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with tact and courtesy.


• Ability effectively manage, lead, and delegate tasks across multiple functional areas.


• Ability to interpret and apply payroll principles, legal requirements, and systems processes.


• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.


• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.


• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.


• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.


• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred

• Experience with payroll processing for an organization with multiple unions.


• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.