PAYROLL SPECIALIST
Chicago, IL, US, 60604
Who is Gateway Foundation?
Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.
Why join us?
Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. At Gateway Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are principles that we embrace in every community we serve. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for:
- Gathers employee time record data from electronic timekeeping system, payroll system software, and compiles adjustment documentation. Uploads information into payroll system software and verifies data by performing detailed audits, checking for accuracy and ensuring compliance standards are met. Makes necessary corrections and transmits payroll to banking center. Prints and distributes paychecks, pay vouchers and garnishment checks.
- Processes all payroll adjustments including retro-payments, payroll reversals, manual checks, and voided checks. Makes and tracks adjustments in payroll system to update employee tax information, direct deposit account information, garnishment deductions, and corrections to accrual hours.
- Reviews staff timesheets using electronic timekeeping system. Ensures required approvals have been made and identifies unusual time entries. Follows up with managers to investigate and resolve unusual time entries and related issues. Serves as a payroll data entry backup to managers in the event of system problems or absence.
- Communicates with employees, managers, administrative departments and third-party vendors by supplying information, responding to inquires, and gathering information. Provides reports for accounting department and other departments as needed.
- Processes payroll taxes on a per pay period, monthly, quarterly and annual basis which includes generating tax reports and tax returns and making payments to state and federal tax agencies. Works with Staff Accountants and bank representatives to set up taxing agency for electronic payments. Records tax payments in tax spreadsheet.Ensures compliance with state and federal garnishment laws. Processes and responds to all garnishment requests. Responsible for entering garnishments into payroll system; and maintaining employee records related to garnishments. Submits payments to vendors each pay period.
- Administers year-end W2 process. Performs year-end tax audit, monitors employees with special tax situations. Distributes W2’s to employees and provides duplicates at employee’s request. Submits W-2 information to respective states and the Internal Revenue Service.
- Processes unemployment tax reports and makes appropriate payments.
- Maintains individual employee payroll files. Performs file audits periodically as instructed by the Payroll Director.
- Maintains adequate office supplies by placing orders through Supply Management or by contacting vendors directly.
Requirements:
- Ability to read, write and perform arithmetic calculations; and knowledge of bookkeeping or basic accounting principles at a level normally acquired through completion of high school with specific accounting course work.
- Knowledge of payroll principles and payroll tax laws/regulations/forms normally acquired thru a minimum of two years experience, progressively more related responsible in an automated payroll environment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience with various payroll issues (i.e. payroll taxes, garnishments, direct deposit, multistate payroll processing, unclaimed earnings).
- Knowledge of ten key adding machine operations. Must demonstrate working knowledge of Microsoft Suite windows-based computer environment. Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.
- Communication and interpersonal skills required at a level to effectively present information both one-on-one and in small group situations to internal customers/employees of the organization and to gather and exchange payroll information with Gateway managers and third-party representatives.
- High degree of professionalism required including the ability to maintain strict confidentially regarding employee information.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to continually proofread, check and verify data and calculations of detailed payroll records from printed form and computer monitor display.
- Ability to respond to telephone inquiries.
- Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to enter, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a continual basis.
- Ability to pull, lift and transport files and documents to and from various locations within office or assigned location
Benefits at Gateway Foundation:
Health and Wellness:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
- Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
- Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
Financial wellbeing:
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
- Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Flexibility and time off:
- 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
- 9 paid company holidays
- Work-life-balance
Personal Development:
- Training & Development Programs
- Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
- eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
- Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance
Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago