Payroll and Benefits Clerk

The Payroll and Benefits Clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all Steger School District 194 employees. The position maintains employee payroll records, reviews and verifies time and attendance information, processes required deductions, prepares payroll-related reports, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and retirement system requirements. The Payroll Clerk also provides support for employee benefits administration and other Human Resources and Business Office functions as assigned.

$45,000 - $65,000

Reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations and Director of Human Resources.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• College coursework in accounting, business, finance, human resources, or a related field preferred.
• Previous payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, or related experience preferred; school district or public-sector payroll experience preferred.
• Experience with Skyward or comparable payroll/financial management software preferred.
• Familiarity with electronic timekeeping and absence management systems, including Red Rover, preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and electronic recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of payroll procedures, tax withholding, employee deductions, and retirement systems preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately manage sensitive employee and financial information.

1. Payroll Administration

a. Coordinate and process accurate and timely payroll for certified, classified, administrative, substitute, and other District employees using Skyward and in accordance with established payroll schedules and deadlines.

b. Review and verify employee time and attendance records, including information maintained in Red Rover, and process additional pay, overtime, docked time, stipends, and other payroll adjustments.

c. Verify employee pay rates, salary information, work calendars, deductions, and appropriate authorization and supporting documentation for payroll changes.

d. Maintain accurate employee payroll records in Skyward, including compensation, tax withholding, direct deposit, deductions, benefits, and other payroll-related information.

e. Calculate and process applicable federal and state tax with holdings and required deductions, including TRS, IMRF, 403(b)/457(b) contributions, garnishments, child support orders, association dues, insurance premiums, and other authorized deductions.

f. Generate and review payroll reports within Skyward to verify accuracy, reconcile payroll information, identify discrepancies, and make necessary corrections.

g. Communicate and coordinate with the Bloom Township School Treasurer's Office regarding payroll processing, required documentation, corrections, and other payroll-related matters.

h. Review and resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, taxes, and other payroll matters.

2. Payroll Reporting and Compliance

a. Prepare and process required payroll-related federal, state, and retirement system reports and payments, including applicable tax filings and TRS and IMRF reporting.

b. Prepare and process annual employee W-2 wage and tax statements and related year-end payroll reporting.

c. Complete required unemployment and other payroll-related reporting.

d. Maintain knowledge of applicable payroll laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and District procedures.

3. Employee Benefits and Human Resources Support

a. Assist the Director of Human Resources with the administration of District employee benefit programs and process associated payroll deductions.

b. Assist with employee benefit enrollment changes and qualifying life event changes and ensure corresponding payroll deductions are accurately implemented.

c. Coordinate the day-to-day administration and tracking of FMLA and other approved employee leaves in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, including maintaining records, processing required documentation, and coordinating applicable payroll and benefit changes.

d. Assist with administration of the District's 403(b)/457(b) programs and related payroll deductions.

e. Complete employment and salary verification requests as assigned.

f. Assist with employee onboarding by establishing payroll records, tax withholding, direct deposit, deductions, and other required payroll information.

g. Provide employees with information and…