Find & Apply For Payroll Specialist Jobs in Winnetka, Illinois

Job Summary The Payroll Specialist oversees and administers the Village's payroll functions, including the bi-weekly employee payroll and monthly Police and Fire pension payrolls, ensuring accurate and timely compensation and reporting for a diverse municipal workforce. The position interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements and Village policies, maintains payroll records, prepares payroll tax filings, reconciles payroll and benefits to the general ledger, and assists employees and departments with payroll inquiries. Working closely with Human Resources, the Payroll Specialist resolves discrepancies, supports compliance and internal controls, recommends process improvements, and supports the annual budget, financial reporting, and audit processes. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive information. Responsibilities Administer the Village's bi-weekly payroll and monthly Police and Fire pension payrolls using the ERP system. Review timekeeping records, earnings, deductions and payroll exception reports; investigate discrepancies and coordinate corrections with departments and Human Resources before payroll is finalized. Maintain and verify employee payroll information, including authorized pay rates, deductions, tax withholding elections, deferred compensation contributions and employment status changes. Review child support orders, wage garnishments and tax levies for validity, and apply deductions within federal and state limits. Calculate and process salary adjustments, retroactive pay, overtime, special payments and final payouts by interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements and Village policies. Maintain and reconcile paid leave accruals, usage and balances, including the annual accrual loading for all Village employees. Prepare payroll journal entries, remit deductions and benefit contributions to third parties, and reconcile payroll expenditures, deductions and liabilities to the general ledger. Reconcile monthly employee and retiree benefit invoices (medical, dental, vision and life insurance) to enrollment records, payroll deductions and the general ledger. Prepare and file payroll tax returns, deposits and statements, including Forms 941, IL-941, W-2 and 1099-R; resolve agency notices and discrepancies. Prepare payroll schedules for the annual audit, including compensated absences, and support the annual budget process. Complete monthly and year-end compensation reports, including the annual Total Compensation Report. Perform annual year-end system updates (tax tables, wage limits, IMRF and deferred compensation limits) and set up and maintain pay and deduction codes. Serve as the primary payroll resource for employees, retirees and departmental payroll processors; research concerns and explain calculations. Assist with special projects such as software implementation, grant tracking and reporting, records retention and FOIA requests. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including processing complete payroll cycles, account reconciliations, and quarterly and annual reporting. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) strongly preferred.

Schedule:

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 hours daily, 40 hours weekly.

Position Range:

$78,174 - $109,996 annually

Submit Application:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/winnetka

Pay:

$78,174.00 - $109,996.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person