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, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

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

• Hiring Range: $66,420 - $83,000
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full Time Salary Staff
• Grade Level: 8
  
  

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Payroll Manager, 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.

Primary Duties And 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 reporting. 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 resolving positive pay exceptions and 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

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field highly preferred.
• Minimum 5-8 years or more of prior payroll experience working in a high volume, multi-cycle, multi-state payroll department required
• Extensive experience with a payroll information system required. Experience with UKG highly desired.
• Experience analyzing data and demonstrated ability to identify and investigate variances and unexpected results
• Certified Payroll Professional designation strongly preferred.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
• Excellent customer service, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
  
  

CLOSING STATEMENT

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. 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.