Payroll Clerk Lead

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 is divided into six groups: Financial Affairs; Treasury; General Accounting; Budget Management Analysis and Contracts; Grant Management; and Procurement Operations. 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 170 people.

Reporting to the Director, Payroll, the Payroll Clerk Lead will review and distribute all internal and external requests from employees, vendors, partners and other entities; answer incoming general calls to the department and forward to appropriate personnel; answer Payroll Help Desk general calls, provide first level support, or forward to appropriate personnel if unable to resolve; maintain department attendance files and time off requests; lead, train, and coordinate work of Payroll Clerks; and perform related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the department. Review and distribute all internal and external requests from employees, vendors, partners, and other entities. Answer incoming general calls and forward to appropriate personnel. Answer Payroll Help Desk general calls, provide first level support, or forward to appropriate personnel if unable to resolve. Assist in researching, communicating with, and preparing responses to auditor requests. Maintain department attendance files and time-off requests. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

This is a Union position. Starting pay rates may vary based on entry rates in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

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

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have three years of payroll related work experience in a combined Contract and Non-contract work environment. 
3. Must have successfully completed the Financial Affairs Skills Assessment (FASA) prior to interviewing for the position.
4. Considerable knowledge of payroll policies and practices.
5. Working knowledge of union contracts.
6. Working knowledge of basic accounting, and government regulations related to payroll and tax liabilities.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
8. Excellent customer service skills.
9. Good analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
10. Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word.
11. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
12. Ability to work under deadlines and time constraints within a fast paced environment.
13. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.