Lake County, IL – Payroll Manager

Seeking a challenging role in an organization that offers rewarding compensation, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities for career growth? Lake County Government could be your ideal destination! With nearly 3,000 employees, our mission is to serve the residents of Lake County with dedication and purpose. We take pride in our work and foster a collaborative environment that our employees respect and value.

The general function of the position within the organization is to supervise the central Payroll Division.  The position is responsible for directing the activities of all the payroll staff; developing and monitoring all tasks necessary to accomplish the organization’s payroll processing objectives; and planning, coordinating, and managing the functions of the payroll department.  The Payroll Manager ensures compliance with laws and tax obligations. The position supervises payroll specialists and requires excellent leadership skills. The Payroll Manager works in accordance with multiple County departments in an effort to complete a bi-weekly payroll.

Essential Functions

Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, and perform related duties as assigned:

• Oversee the operations of the County’s payroll function.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of payroll staff.
• Ensure that biweekly payroll, off-cycle payroll, and off-cycle payments are processed accurately, in compliance with regulations, and in a timely manner.
• Responsible for Federal and State bi-weekly tax payment filings.
• Records and balances payroll withholding taxes, reporting, reconciliation and tax payments.
• Responsible for and filing of Federal and State quarterly and annual tax reports.
• Oversee the preparation of payroll-related documents.
• Oversee compliance with statutory reporting and filing requirements.
• Responsible for the submittal of wage reports, auditing and reconciliation of payroll files, and problem resolution associated with the IMRF pension.
• Compile data from payroll sources.
• Prepare relevant weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end reports.
• Manage Collective Bargaining Agreement rules.
• Monitor the accurate processing of elected officials, staff appointments, transfers, promotions and terminations.
• Oversee all employee earning, deductions, tax forms, special pays, taxable adjustments, garnishments, state stipends, allowances and imputed values are applied and processed correctly.
• Prepare and review payroll account reconciliations.
• Prepare reports and financial statements.
• Responsible for compliance and calculation of Military Pay differentials.
• Respond to inquiries and requests related to audits.
• Maintain accurate account balances.
• Oversee all year-end and fiscal year payouts for compensatory time and holidays are paid out correctly.
• Responsible for W2 processing and distribution.
• Ensure the accuracy of all new year deduction rates and tax tables are updated in appropriate systems.
• Review and improve payroll policies and procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Oversee the maintenance of current employee data systems, serve as project manager for payroll system updates, partner with IT to complete testing for system enhancements
• Ensure all payroll information and records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Oversee all internal and external audits related to payroll.
• Interpret new legislation impacting payroll.
• Manage and resolve issues relating to payroll production.
• Monitor Payroll team performance and train new staff.
• Communicate with department liaisons as needed to share timelines, deadlines and process changes related to payroll.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to Payroll.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply research methods and data analysis techniques.
• Skill in change management, problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentially handle information, records and issues.
• Ability to successfully use County-specific technology and general office software.
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers organization and staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, including constituencies which may have been underrepresented, facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross-culturally.
• Knowledge of and ability to relate well to a wide range of individuals and influence their actions to be able to teach and or lead them to solutions when appropriate.
• Strong math and analytical skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting, finance, human resources or a related field;

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, preferably within the public sector;

Or any combination of education and experience that provides the candidates possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties prescribed to the position (above).
Certified Payroll Professional designation preferred.
Experience with IMRF pension preferred.
Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
Managerial or supervisory experience preferred.

Salary: $85,000 – $100,000

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).