Payroll Manager

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600 schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Job Summary:

The Office of the Controller is responsible for the financial operations of Chicago Public Schools, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Internal Accounts, and Corporate Accounting. Under the direction of the Director of Payroll Services, the Payroll Manager works to maximize processing efficiencies to ensure accurate and timely paycheck delivery. The Payroll Manager will oversee and supervise a team of Payroll Specialists who are responsible to ensure pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations as well as auditing and payroll special projects.

The Payroll Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing a team of payroll specialists including performance management, training and development, and distribution of work assignments.
• In partnership with leadership, implement, maintain, and review payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, systems, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Payroll Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education and Experience Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive payroll and/or human resources experience Or;
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Finance, Accounting or Human Resources and a minimum of five (5) years of payroll and/or human resources experience
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with payroll software.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.
• Be Fully Vaccinated or Submit to Weekly COVID-19 Testing - Employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of their hire date. Full vaccination is defined as at least two weeks after your second shot of a two-shot vaccination course, or at least two weeks after a one-shot vaccination course. Unvaccinated staff must submit to weekly testing.