Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to manage payroll operations for a school district in Illinois. This Long-term Contract position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who can deliver accurate, timely payroll processing while supporting benefits administration and payroll accounting activities. The role works closely with Human Resources and Finance to maintain reliable employee data, uphold regulatory compliance, and address payroll-related questions with discretion.

Responsibilities:

• Administer recurring payroll cycles for district employees, ensuring wages are calculated and issued accurately and on schedule.
• Examine contracts, salary structures, stipends, and supplemental assignments to confirm proper employee compensation.
• Verify payroll records, deductions, tax withholding details, garnishments, and direct deposit information to maintain complete and accurate data.
• Handle payroll corrections, retroactive earnings calculations, and special payroll runs when adjustments are required.
• Support employee benefit deduction activity by coordinating enrollments, updates, and reconciliation of payroll-related benefit records.
• Prepare payroll accounting entries and assist with balancing payroll activity to the general ledger.
• Produce payroll reports for Finance, Human Resources, auditors, and leadership to support decision-making and compliance needs.
• Contribute to year-end payroll processing, including tax reporting, W-2 preparation, and related compliance tasks.
• Respond to employee questions regarding earnings, deductions, benefits, and payroll discrepancies while maintaining confidentiality.

The salary range for this position is $30 to $35. Benefits are available including medical, vision, and dental, and life and disability insurance. Employees hired for our FTEP Program are also eligible to enroll in our company’s 401(k) or deferred compensation plan (if eligible). FTEP employees also earn paid time off for vacation, personal needs, and sick time and paid holidays. Learn more at roberthalfbenefits.com/Resources. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.

• At least 3 years of payroll processing experience, ideally in a school district, public sector, nonprofit, or similarly structured organization.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax requirements, wage laws, and standard compliance practices.
• Experience interpreting employment agreements, compensation schedules, and other pay-related documentation.
• Familiarity with employee benefits administration and payroll deduction reconciliation.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, Skyward, Tyler Technologies, Frontline, or comparable platforms.
• Strong Excel capabilities, including formulas, lookups, and data validation or reconciliation tasks.
• Ability to manage confidential information, maintain exceptional accuracy, and meet firm payroll deadlines.
• Experience with retirement reporting, fund accounting, grant-based payroll allocation, or unionized environments is preferred.