Director, Payroll

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Financial Affairs is headed by the Chief Financial Officer and divided into four groups: Treasury; Accounting, Budget and Management Analysis and Business Efficiency & Process Improvement. The core mission of these groups is to provide accurate financial information so that Metra can run its business efficiently. Together these departments employ approximately 100 people.

Reporting to the Controller, the Director, Payroll will direct and oversee all aspects of payroll operations, including the accounting, reconciliation, analysis and preparation of semi-monthly payrolls for union and non-union employees; the enhancement of the payroll processes and systems; and ensure all activities are in compliance with agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership and guidance to the teams assigned to ensuring proper tax treatment, accounting, disposition of withholdings, deductions, retirement savings, and other salary reductions; ensure accurate and timely disbursements; and take steps to resolve complex problems, processing delays, and inaccuracies. Assign staff to participate in user testing of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system during updates, enhancements, or module implementations to ensure continued payroll functionality. Establish strong internal controls; oversee the development and implementation of efficient processes, procedures, and reporting that comply, and align, with agency and accounting standards and reflect industry best practices. Ensure adequate internal controls are in place to provide reasonable assurances of accurate and timely payroll payments and related records, tax withholdings through the electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS), transmission of direct deposits to financial institutions, and prudent payroll management practices. Work closely with Human Resources, Information Technology (IT), as well as external institutions that receive proceeds from payroll deductions; perform audits to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data and processes; and manage activities and responses to audit issues, both internal and external. Responsible for processing and approving appropriate payments of the agency's payroll, including employer taxes and fringe benefits, which approximates $300 million. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.