What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll and People Operations Coordinator position at Chicago Architecture Center?
Description
The Payroll & People Operations Coordinator supports the full employee experience by assisting with payroll processing, HRIS administration, and People Operations initiatives. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll administration, maintains employee data, and contributes to a wide range of People Ops projects including employee engagement, benefits administration, administrative audits and departmental events. The coordinator works closely with the Director of People Operations and serves as a key point of contact for employees regarding HR and payroll-related inquiries.
Payroll Administration
The Payroll & People Operations Coordinator supports the full employee experience by assisting with payroll processing, HRIS administration, and People Operations initiatives. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll administration, maintains employee data, and contributes to a wide range of People Ops projects including employee engagement, benefits administration, administrative audits and departmental events. The coordinator works closely with the Director of People Operations and serves as a key point of contact for employees regarding HR and payroll-related inquiries.
Payroll Administration
- Process semi-monthly payroll for all staff through Paylocity, ensuring accuracy of hours, pay rates, deductions, and benefits.
- Maintain and audit employee payroll records, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure accurate payroll reconciliation and reporting.
- Support the annual W-2 distribution and year-end payroll processes.
- Serve as primary administrator for Paylocity and related HR systems, maintaining accurate employee records and organizational data.
- Support system updates, audits, and data integrity initiatives.
- Run reports and support data analysis for headcount, turnover, and other People metrics.
- Provide troubleshooting support and assist employees with self-service functions.
- Assist with onboarding coordination, including scheduling orientation, preparing materials, and supporting new hire setup as needed.
- Support employee engagement initiatives, including the People Experience Committee, recognition programs, and All Staff events.
- Coordinate People Operations events, meetings, and trainings (logistics, catering, communications).
- Support policy rollouts, internal communications, and employee surveys.
- Assist with HR compliance tracking and documentation.
- Provide administrative and logistical support for the Director of People Operations.
- Assist with department projects related to process improvement, employee experience, and organizational development.
- Maintain People Ops files, forms, and standard operating procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the People Operations function.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 2–4 years of HR or payroll experience; nonprofit or cultural sector experience a plus.
- Experience using Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll systems.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.