Payroll Specialist (HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST)

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its Payroll Specialist. This position involves performing complex and specialized functions related to timekeeping, payroll processing, and retirement functions. The Payroll Specialist ensures the accurate application of policies, procedures, and contractual requirements in all payroll-related activities. This role leads the development, maintenance, and distribution of payroll, statistical, and compliance reports to support departmental operations and decision-making. The Payroll Specialist serves as a designated lead worker, providing guidance, training, and support to staff involved in timekeeping and payroll processes. The position works closely with departmental leadership, HR, and external agencies to resolve issues, ensure data integrity, and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.

Requirements

Requires two (2) years of professional work experience overseeing and executing complex payroll operations for a Code-Covered State Agency utilizing Central Payroll Systems, eTime, and Central Time & Attendance System (CTAS).
Requires two (2) years of professional work experience interpreting and applying state or federal statutes and administrative rules related to personnel transactions, such as the Illinois Personnel Code (20 ILCS 415), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and collective bargaining agreements.
Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience.
Requires the ability to successfully pass an agency criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
Requires the ability to use agency-supplied equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.
Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of professional work experience overseeing and executing complex payroll operations for a state, federal, or private entity.
Two (2) years of professional work experience interpreting and applying state or federal statutes and administrative rules related to personnel transactions, such as the Illinois Personnel Code (20 ILCS 415), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and collective bargaining agreements.
Two (2) years of experience independently processing payroll transactions using human resources and payroll systems including Central Payroll System (CPS), eTime, CTAS, SAP, IMSH, Personnel Examination PEERS, and Employee Central or similar systems.
Two (2) years of professional experience managing and reconciling employee transactions, including promotions, transfers, salary adjustments, garnishments, deductions, leave balances, and direct deposit setup, while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy across multiple systems and pay periods.
Two (2) years of experience coordinating or supporting internal/external payroll audits and quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

Serves as Payroll Specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) under general direction of the Payroll & Timekeeping Program Manager.
Performs complex, specialized professional duties relating to timekeeping and retirement functions for IDEC.
Oversees the development, maintenance, and distribution of various payroll and statistical reports and correspondence.
Serves as designated lead worker.
Conducts periodic continuous quality improvement audit activities of payroll records.
Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.