Senior Payroll Specialist

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Position Summary

Responsible for the timely and accurate production of the bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and student payrolls. Understands and executes all internal and interfacing third party software systems used for payroll processing. Executes best payroll practices including compliance with all current federal, state, international payroll tax laws and all Art Institute of Chicago established guidelines and policies. This role will report to the Payroll Manager.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the timely and accurate processing or review of all payrolls produced by the Institute payroll and timekeeping systems and associated interfacing systems. Includes a review and verification of all wage, tax, deduction and imported data received by the HR system.
• Maintains full working knowledge of the UKG payroll and time and attendance systems to fully execute required processes and identify and resolve any system problems as they occur. Analyzes and audits payroll data and calculations to ensure accuracy of each payroll.
• Ensures timely and accurate federal and state payroll tax reporting and compliance, including assisting with year-end W2s processing and Maintains current knowledge with federal, state and local payroll tax laws, regulations and statutes and advises management on relevant changes.
• Trains and educates employees on payroll related systems and procedures, including UKG payroll and time and attendance systems.
• Initiates and promotes efficiencies in regards to the various systems, operations and departmental procedures for the Payroll Department. Develops and maintains documentation for payroll staff and assists in maintaining the payroll Intranet site.
• Provides customer service on a timely basis to any inquiry from employees or outside parties. Maintains confidentiality in handling all employee payroll situations, questions and documentation.
• Responsible for monitoring daily bank activities related to payroll, including reviewing and resolving ACH return items.
• Assists in the implementation of system, operational and procedural changes within the department. Tests technical updates that impact payroll systems. 
• Understands and serves as back up to the work of other payroll staff and reviews related work as assigned.
• Assists accounting team with researching and resolving discrepancy in payroll balance sheet accounts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field preferred
• 5 or more years of prior payroll experience working in a high volume, multi-cycle, multi-state payroll department
• Experience with UKG or similar human resources/payroll information system strongly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional designation strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
• Excellent customer service, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

 Compensation & Benefits

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:  

• Hiring Range: $75,000 - $90,000 annually

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons. 

• Benefits        
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full time exempt
• Employment Category: Full time staff
• Grade Level: 8

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at  apply_help@artic.edu

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000