Payroll & Insurance Analyst I

Teachers Retirement System of Illinois; United States; On-site; USD 51,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

TRS retirement pension plan

Deferred compensation plans

Retirement benefits for public-school;

Job summary

The Payroll and Insurance Analyst I at Teachers Retirement System of Illinois performs entry-level payroll, insurance, and administrative support related to annuitant payroll operations and insurance administration.

Under supervision, you will process forms, maintain member records, respond to inquiries, prepare routine correspondence, and assist with reporting and reconciliations. Strong attention to detail and effective written and verbal communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, education, communications, or a related degree.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Provide entry-level payroll, insurance, and administrative support to the Payroll and Insurance Department.
• Process and verify payroll and insurance forms, including insurance enrollments, direct deposit forms, tax withholding forms, and member record updates.
• Maintain and update member information across multiple systems to ensure accurate payroll and insurance processing.
• Research and respond to member and internal inquiries related to payroll, insurance, and benefits matters through phone, email, and written correspondence.
• Prepare routine correspondence related to incomplete forms, missing information, payroll adjustments, and insurance transactions.
• Review reports and assist with correcting routine payroll and insurance discrepancies and data inconsistencies.
• Assist with payroll processing support activities, reconciliations, stop payment requests, direct pay billing, and COBRA enrollment support.
• Support record maintenance activities, including beneficiary, dependent, Medicare, and Power of Attorney documentation updates.
• Assist with requests for payroll-related documents, member statements, and insurance documentation
• Support audit and reporting activities by gathering and maintaining required documentation
• May be required to work additional hours during peak or high-volume periods
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Data analysis

Quality focus

Problem solving

Multi-system proficiency

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success. We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security. Under the supervision of the Payroll and Insurance Supervisor, the Payroll and Insurance Analyst I performs entry-level payroll, insurance, and administrative support functions related to annuitant payroll operations and insurance administration. This position is responsible for processing payroll and insurance forms, maintaining member records, updating information across multiple systems, and assisting with routine payroll and insurance transactions in accordance with established procedures. The Analyst I responds to member and internal inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and insurance matters; prepares routine correspondence; researches and resolves basic discrepancies; and supports payroll reporting, reconciliation, and record maintenance activities. This position works under established guidelines and escalates more complex issues as appropriate. The incumbent must have a basic understanding of TRS benefits and applicable insurance programs, along with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, customer service skills, and effective written and verbal communication abilities. The ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accuracy, and meet established deadlines is required.

Essential Functions

• Provide entry-level payroll, insurance, and administrative support to the Payroll and Insurance Department
• Process and verify payroll and insurance forms, including insurance enrollments, direct deposit forms, tax withholding forms, and member record updates
• Maintain and update member information across multiple systems to ensure accurate payroll and insurance processing
• Research and respond to member and internal inquiries related to payroll, insurance, and benefits matters through phone, email, and written correspondence
• Prepare routine correspondence related to incomplete forms, missing information, payroll adjustments, and insurance transactions
• Review reports and assist with correcting routine payroll and insurance discrepancies and data inconsistencies
• Assist with payroll processing support activities, reconciliations, stop payment requests, direct pay billing, and COBRA enrollment support
• Support record maintenance activities, including beneficiary, dependent, Medicare, and Power of Attorney documentation updates
• Assist with requests for payroll-related documents, member statements, and insurance documentation
• Support audit and reporting activities by gathering and maintaining required documentation
• May be required to work additional hours during peak or high-volume periods
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze and interpret data
• Demonstrate a high commitment to quality
• Demonstrate problem solving skills
• Ability to work in multiple systems simultaneously
• Possess excellent organizational skills

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, education, communications, or a related degree.
• Candidates without a degree must possess 2 years of progressive responsibility in a related business or education field
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence

Preferred experience

• Preferred experience with pensions, benefits and or employee relations

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.

For Illinois job seekers: Pay Range $51,340.00 - $80,091.00 Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.

Benefits

• TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage.
• All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans.
• The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.)
• We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago.
• The System serves over 462,000 members and had assets of $83.7 billion as of February 28, 2026.
• TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees.