Payroll & Timekeeping Program Manager (Public Service Administrator)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking a Payroll and Timekeeping Program Manager for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), overseeing payroll operations, timekeeping compliance, and adherence to State of Illinois retirement laws and regulations, including the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and relevant collective bargaining agreements. Acts as a member of the IDEC Labor Relations Advisory Team and provides confidential program management support to the Human Resources Director and agency leadership. Supervises staff and manages key HR programs, including onboarding, offboarding, and new employee orientation, while planning, implementing, and reporting on strategic HR initiatives and projects. Apply today to join a team committed to making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family! Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including: Monday-Friday schedule Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid Parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
Requires the ability to use state issued equipment, such as a cell phone or laptop.
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 requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of professional work experience of State of Illinois payroll, timekeeping, and personnel systems, including e-Time, Central Timekeeping and Payroll System (CTAS), Central Payroll System (CPS) or similar systems, and related CMS processes and requirements.
Three (3) years of professional work experience interpreting and applying State and federal employment laws, rules, and Collective Bargaining Agreements, including but not limited to SERS retirement requirements, FMLA, and military leave provisions.
Three (3) years of professional work experience supervising or serving in a lead worker role over professional and clerical staff in a high-volume payroll, timekeeping, or employee services environment, including assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, addressing grievances, and recommending or imposing discipline.
Three (3) years of professional work experience coordinating complex personnel transactions in collaboration with HR, Transactions, Fiscal, and external oversight entities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
Three (3) years of experience utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience conducting investigations into payroll and timekeeping discrepancies, preparing findings, and making recommendations to senior leadership.
Two (2) years of experience preparing detailed written, statistical, and compliance reports, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) to create spreadsheets, charts, graphs, dashboards, and confidential status reports.
Excellent communication and training skills, including experience providing technical assistance, guidance, and training to employees, supervisors, and managers on payroll, timekeeping, retirement, onboarding/offboarding, and employee benefit processes.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Payroll & Timekeeping Program Manager for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
Serves as a member of the IDEC Labor Relations Advisory Team.
Plans, organizes, directs, and manages IDEC’s compliance with State of Illinois retirement laws, rules, and regulations, including the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements, as they relate to employee retirement and retirement-related benefits.
Serves as a full-line supervisor.
Provides confidential program management planning, execution of program plans, program reporting, and other requested or required projects and reports for the Human Resources Director and IDEC Leadership.
Manages the Onboarding and Offboarding and New Employee Orientation Programs.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.