JOB TITLE: Payroll Director

EMPLOYEE TYPE: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

LOCATION: Chicago, IL 

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Payroll Director works in the Finance Department and is primarily responsible for oversight of the organization’s payroll processes, internal control processes, and financial reporting activities. The Payroll Director reports to the Chief Financial Officer, providing subject matter expertise, audit support, statutory reporting and reconciliation guidance, and financial analysis as requested. In addition, the Payroll Director supports the Finance Team with technical guidance, financial tools, and thought partnership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the Payroll Function for Network and Direct Operated Campuses

• Develop, execute and provide direct oversight for all payroll functions and reporting for CICS Network and Direct Operated Campuses, including semi-monthly payroll review, calculation of garnishments/payouts, research and resolution of agency inquiries, reconciliation of quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting, review and resolution of discrepancies, and monitoring/responding to the shared payroll email inbox.
• Streamline and document compensation procedures.
• Audit payroll transactions to ensure all amounts and payment dates are accurate.
• Approve one-time or permanent changes in payroll (e.g. salary increases, tax deduction, bonuses, expense reimbursements).
• Train employees who are involved in payroll on tax regulations and best practices.
• Develop, monitor, and execute internal financial controls. 
• Oversee statutory reporting & financial reconciliation.
• Serve as pension officer for Network and Direct Operated Campuses, including annual creation of calendars/pay classes, oversight of pension submissions, and reconciliation of liabilities.

Administration of Financial Policies, Procedures, Processes, and Systems

• Document processes, ensure compliance with financial management and ensure compliance with all payroll and tax laws.
• Stay up-to-date with labor legislation and any changes in employee insurance and tax regulations; communicate updates to all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Finance and HR to create payroll reports and forecasts.

Lead and develop the Payroll Team

• Inspire, motivate, and lead a team that includes a Payroll Coordinator as well as external partners in the execution of financial functions.
• Develop team capacity and determine immediate and future needs to ensure the department continues to serve the organization’s mission and goals. 

Project and Decision Support

• Support the CFO on Finance Department projects and priorities as needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 to 7 years of payroll experience preferred.
  • Financial strategy experience preferred.
  • Experience consulting/executing payroll function at a nonprofit highly preferred.
  • Experience with pension plan administration and multi-entity payroll consolidation is highly preferred.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now software required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter: usual school working conditions which may be noisy during high student traffic and somewhat stressful due to frequent student activity.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of the Chicago International Charter School (CICS) is to be a vibrant network of unique Chicago charter schools that prepares students to thrive in college and life and empowers educators to innovate and lead. We strive to be a hub of excellence and innovation in Chicago education where every student flourishes, every school meets the unique needs of its students and community, and every success catalyzes citywide improvement.

CICS is entering an exciting time, embarking on the implementation of a new strategic plan. Joining our organization at this critical point in our history is an opportunity to be a part of leading CICS in a new direction.

We will continue to partner with high-performing school operators, but we will sharpen our focus on innovation, recruiting talented education entrepreneurs and supporting their efforts to innovate inside our schools and classrooms—ultimately, better serving Chicago’s students and their families.

Our plan is to develop CICS into a consistently high-performing network of academically rigorous, pedagogically diverse, forward-thinking schools that prepare every student for success in college or career – and the Chief Financial Officer will play a critical role in meeting that ambitious plan.

WHAT WE VALUE

Our values keep us honest and help us determine the best course of action to meet our mission and vision.​

• We are determined optimists. We believe the quality of our schools must match the boundless potential of our students. We are uncompromising on quality and equity, fueled by the urgency to improve, and grounded in the belief that anything is possible if we keep striving.
• We are driven to make the world better for students. Our core purpose is to improve our world through education. All decisions are made through the lens of what is best for students. We have the courage to make tough calls that benefit students in the long term and a deep commitment to our work.
• We nurture new ideas. We give brave approaches the space to take root and the support to flourish. We are driven by data, embrace constant iteration, and have the curiosity to learn alongside our students so we can constantly improve.
• We get stuff done. We believe in hard work and humility. We're focused on delivering results and we always maintain high expectations - for our students and for ourselves.
• We are powered by people and partnership. We value our partners and our relationships. We maintain trust through transparency, direct communication, and integrity. We work together with compassion and without ego because we know the best solutions are forged collectively.
• We prioritize diversity and authenticity. Diversity and authenticity are non-negotiable in education. We bring our whole selves to work and school, tackle questions of race and equity, listen, and tap into the power of our differences individually and as a network.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a competitive compensation package, including salary commensurate with experience; paid-time off; a benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a flexible spending account option; commuter benefits; disability as well as life insurance. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues committed to providing high-quality, innovative educational options for families across Chicago. 

Chicago International Charter School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.