Strategic Payroll & Compliance Specialist

J.F.K; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Joliet Public Schools District 86 J.F.K in Joliet, Illinois seeks a highly capable Payroll Specialist to manage complex payroll runs, deductions, and regulatory reporting. The role collaborates with the Business and Financial Services team to ensure timely payroll administration and accurate records.

Requires a bachelor’s degree (preferred) and at least three years of payroll experience in an educational setting, with strong Excel and payroll software skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; college coursework in accounting, business administration, or communications preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a similar or equivalent position, preferably within a school district or educational business office.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to successfully pass the District Technology Test.
• Knowledge of budgeting processes and preparation of payroll-related financial reports and statements.
• Experience in a computerized accounting environment with working knowledge of modern payroll practices and automated payroll systems.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize automated payroll systems.
• Ability to manage a high volume of payroll transactions accurately and meet required deadlines.
• Thorough knowledge of Board policies, administrative regulations, and collective bargaining agreements as applicable to the position.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, on matters related to payroll functions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, audit, and process complex payroll runs, including retroactive pay, stipends, and employee separations.
• Enter, maintain, and audit records in the financial system with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Manage employee benefits deductions (ie: insurance and pension deductions) and garnishments.
• Assist with preparation of direct deposit vouchers, reconciliations, and related reports and documentation, and submit batches to financial institutions as directed.
• Assist with quarterly and year end processes, including reconciliation, preparation, and distribution of W-2 tax forms, and ACA compliance.
• Respond to high level inquiries related to payroll, benefits, pension, and tax withholdings.
• Reconcile employee leave balances according to district records.
• Track and maintain pay records for employees on leave, FMLA, workers' compensation, and dock or adjust contracts as necessary.
• Collaborate with Payroll Coordinator on benefit enrollment periods and reporting to Illinois pension systems.
• Assist with processing changes such as new employees, terminations, and rate changes required per contract year or board directive.
• Update the information in the payroll master accurately.
• Assist with the maintenance of subsidiary controls, records, and reports on payroll deductions.
• Assist with disbursement of payments for federal and state taxes, FICA, retirement, and voluntary deductions such as Credit Union, ISA's, union dues, garnishments, etc.
• Assist with preparation of bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual state and federal reports for IMRF, IRS, federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.
• Maintain IRS registration and perform Payroll Coordinator duties in the event of an absence.
• Calculate pro-rated salaries and benefit time.
• Keep abreast of changes in retirement systems and governmental withholding laws.
• Answer and service calls applicable to the areas of assigned responsibility.
• Produce requested payroll data reports for external, FOIA, or collective bargaining requests.
• Extract necessary data from time sheets, stipend requests, and overtime slips.
• Accurately input data into payroll software and verify output. Process pay for external subs and internal sub work.
• Prepare Payroll summary of account distributions for Board Report as needed.
• Prepare and distribute schools’ timesheets as needed.
• Assess longevity step advances in PIO bank and adjust attendance classes accordingly
• Perform an annual roll of PIO banks.
• Maintain IRS registration and perform Payroll Coordinator duties in the event of an absence.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Financial Services or Designee.

Skills

Excel

Microsoft Office

Payroll systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Accounting coursework

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Joliet Public Schools District 86 J.F.K in Joliet, Illinois seeks a highly capable Payroll Specialist to manage complex payroll runs, deductions, and regulatory reporting. The role collaborates with the Business and Financial Services team to ensure timely payroll administration and accurate records.

Requires a bachelor’s degree (preferred) and at least three years of payroll experience in an educational setting, with strong Excel and payroll software skills.