Payroll Administrator | Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The DuPage Forest Preserve District is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Administrator to help lead payroll operations. This position processes the district's payroll, ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and serves as the subject matter expert in administering the payroll system. The position will also supervise a Payroll Associate and partner closely with Human Resources to support staff across the organization.

What You'll Do

• Process bi-weekly and special payrolls, reviewing audits, deductions, accruals, and salary adjustments.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, prepare payroll checks, and transmit direct deposit files to the bank.
• Serve as subject expert for the payroll software (iSolved), researching and resolving issues while supporting HR and employees.
• Track and manage employee leave accruals, benefit types, and alternative pay rates.
• Audit payroll postings to the general ledger and process payroll-related accounts payable.
• Generate reports and documents for pensions, benefits, unemployment, salary analysis, ACA compliance, and Workers' Compensation audits.
• Partner with HR on payroll changes, including mass salary increases and employment verifications.
• Supervise the Payroll Associate, providing training, coaching, evaluations, and oversight of daily work.
• Respond to employee questions regarding paychecks, deductions, taxes, and employment verifications.
• Ensure compliance with union contracts, benefit plans, garnishments, and year-end processes.
• Maintain organized records and support requests, including FOIA responses and claims ordinances.
• Promote a safe, supportive, and collaborative workplace.

What You'll Need

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• Bachelors Degree or equivalent; 4 - 6 years of related experience with 1-4 years of direct supervisory experience (training and coaching, responsible for preparing evaluations, assigning work, responsible for work of employees supervised); or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Previous experience processing municipal payroll is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in computer software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook Email etc. Possess analytical skills necessary to perform numerical calculations and to verify information from complex data.
• Technical accounting procedures and practices, particularly related to payroll, including union contracts, employee benefit plans, deferred compensation plans, wage withholdings and garnishments, and year-end processes.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail, while prioritizing multiple tasks in a fast-paced and changing environment, without a loss in productivity or quality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently, set priorities, meet deadlines, handle confidential information, and demonstrate effective communication, both oral and written, at all times.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Schedule, Pay, & Benefits

• Monday-Friday | Full-time
• Starting salary: $73,403 – 82,618 per year.
• We offer an outstanding and affordable benefit package including medical, pension program, and more. To find out more, visit our website.

Work Setting

Based out of the headquarters facility in Wheaton, IL.

Why Join Us?

Help take on a role in leadership and support your peers and the mission of the Forest Preserve District. If you're a payroll professional who values accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork, this role is for you.

More details can be found in the full job description attached or on our website.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an equal opportunity employer.