Senior Payroll Specialist

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Pension plans

403(b) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage extensive payroll and timekeeping processing, ensuring accuracy for audits and payments. You will troubleshoot discrepancies, update systems, and support stakeholders across the district on payroll issues.

The role requires strong knowledge of wage laws, ERP proficiency, and excellent communication. It is a full-time, exempt position with competitive benefits and residency requirements in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of payroll wage and hour laws, tax regulations and payroll operations.
• Experience with ERP like PeopleSoft, Oracle, Kronos and related payroll systems.
• Advanced spreadsheet skills (VLOOKUP, pivots, functions).

Responsibilities

• Process and validate payroll and timekeeping updates (schedules, pay codes, deductions) using CPS and vendor systems.
• Research HR data transfers and correct discrepancies between systems.
• Provide Tier III payroll support to employees, schools, and departments.

Skills

Payroll laws

ERP systems

PeopleSoft

Excel / Spreadsheets

Communication

Payroll cycle

Time management

Customer service

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor degree preferred

CPP certification preferred

Tools

PeopleSoft

Oracle

Kronos

Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the Senior Payroll Specialist performs a wide variety of payroll and timekeeping processing, reporting, validation, and customer support activities to ensure all audits, payments, and payroll processes are accurate and timely in accordance with Payroll policies and procedures. Partners with key stakeholders to troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies. Provides a full scope of timekeeping and payroll system technical support to resolve complex payroll issues. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Senior Payroll Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Process and validate accuracy of payroll and/or timekeeping system updates such as employee schedules, pay rules, password resets, pay codes, timesheet data, pension, garnishments, transit, union and other general deductions using CPS and vendor system
• Research issues in HR systems to ensure that data accurately transfers between systems and perform corrections as required
• Provide tier III support to employees, schools, and departments for payroll and/or timekeeping questions and issues
• Participate in system upgrades and implementations for process improvements
• May serve as a backup to the payroll manager or team lead, as needed
• Partner with stakeholders to research and resolve payroll and/or timekeeping discrepancies and resolve exceptions and ensure accurate and complete payroll records
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Senior Payroll Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent, required
• Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), preferred

Experience Required

• Minimum of five (5) years professional payroll experience in large complex payroll systems as a payroll specialist, payroll administrator, or equivalent
• Experience in a large government organization strongly, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of payroll wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll operations
• Strong working knowledge of payroll system functionality and the ability to effectively utilize ERP applications (E.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, Kronos)
• Advanced spreadsheet skills (VLOOKUP, Pivots, functions, etc.)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to accurately understand and communicate payroll wage and tax information, payroll policies and procedures, and payroll system functionality to all levels of employees
• Ability to maintain a thorough understanding of the payroll cycle
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks and schedules to meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• High levels of instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
• Ability to provides\ superior customer service through all types of interactions by maintaining a positive, friendly, professional and patient attitude at all times

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS Is Committed To Providing Comprehensive Health Coverage To Our Employees And Their Eligible Dependents. You'll Have Access To a Variety Of Choices To Best Fit Your Needs

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Posting Date

Aug 28, 2026, 10:55:26 AM

Primary Location

Southwest Side-501 W 35th St (Bridgeport)

CPS Non-Union Job Grade

S06

Estimated Annual Salary Range

58,000.00

Position Type

Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Exempt