Job Description

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 Manager, Payroll, the Supervisor, Payroll will assist in the day-to-day activities of processing time reporting, payroll services, and/or disbursements for Payroll through various timekeeping systems; ensure the accuracy and timely completion of tasks and compliance with internal controls and processes, agency policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions, and local, state, and federal regulations. The primary duties include, supervise and direct activities of Timekeeping or Payroll Clerks; monitor daily work- flow including data entry, the generation and distribution of reports, review of unmatched reports, corrections, analysis, research requests from department leaders; and respond to the needs of other departments related to Payroll functions. Ensure prompt and accurate time reporting for all assigned divisions and any discrepancies are addressed expeditiously; review pay cycle reports to meet deadlines to avoid penalties to the agency; respond to questions from internal and external customers. Coordinate the processing of time claim settlements to make sure employees are compensated on a timely and accurate basis. Work collaboratively with managers to review new developments or enhancements to current timekeeping and payroll systems, training materials, and processes to meet department requirements and the needs of employee users. Contribute to the development or enhancement of timekeeping forms (e.g., attendance sheets, vacation and sick time authorization, etc.) and payroll services provided to other departments to reduce off-cycle disbursements and aid in the success of Payroll. 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. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in accounting or finance.
• In addition to #1, must have four (4) years of payroll, timekeeping, and/or accounting experience.
• Must have two (2) years of experience as a team lead or supervisor.
• Demonstrated knowledge of rules, and procedures of internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial and accounting information that promote accountability and prevent fraud.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, specifically Excel, and various payroll and timekeeping systems such as Kronos, DiVA, Work Order or AX Dynamics ERP or other enterprise resource planning systems
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of contacts both internally and externally.
• Detail oriented with the ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Able to exercise discretion, good judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with tact, courtesy and discretion.
• Able to promote a team oriented work environment
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• May be required to travel locally to other Metra work sites to promote Payroll practices and policies.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

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.

On May 11, 2023, both the state of IL and the federal government will put an end to the COVID-19 emergency measures. Effective May 11, 2023, Metra's COVID vaccine requirements will be suspended until further notice.

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.