HACC

SUMMARY
The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-driven Payroll Accounting Manager to lead payroll operations with a strong accounting focus. This role is crucial in ensuring accurate payroll processing across a diverse workforce funded by multiple programs, including federal grants, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs, and other restricted funding streams. The position integrates payroll data into financial reporting systems, ensures compliance with HUD and grant regulations, and supports transparency and audit readiness.

The successful candidate will have a solid background in payroll accounting, preferably within a public housing authority or government agency, and will demonstrate strong technical skills in Excel and fund accounting systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for all HACC employees, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage payroll funding allocations across departments, HUD-funded programs (such as HCV and Public Housing), and various grants, ensuring costs are appropriately charged and documented.
• Administrator over HRIS payroll, PTO accruals, and over all company set-up
• Managing billing and accounting for all employee benefits including Health, Vision, Dental, FSA, LTD, etc.
• Review and post payroll-related journal entries and accruals to the general ledger, ensuring consistency with HACC’s fund accounting structure.
• Reconcile payroll transactions to the general ledger on a biweekly and monthly basis; research and resolve discrepancies.
• Partner with the Grants and Budget team to ensure payroll expenses align with grant budgets and restricted funding requirements, including ARPA, and other federal initiatives.
• Maintain and improve Excel-based payroll tracking models that detail allocations, expense trends, and reconciliation schedules.
• Generate regular reports for internal stakeholders and external auditors, including payroll summaries, benefits liabilities, and grant-funded labor distribution.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting for HUD and other regulatory bodies during audits or monitoring reviews.
• Review and enhance internal controls over payroll accounting; implement improvements to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with HR, IT, and Finance to ensure system integrations, payroll setup, and employee records are current and accurate.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR CERTIFICATION
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in payroll accounting, preferably in a government, public housing, or nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll allocations across multiple funds, grants, or cost centers.
• Strong knowledge of federal grant compliance, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance).
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., MIP Fund Accounting, Financial Edge) and payroll platforms (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, Paycor, or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills, including use of pivot tables, lookups, and reconciliation formulas.
• Strong understanding of public sector accounting principles and fund accounting practices.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills with a commitment to accuracy and integrity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with HUD-funded payroll cost allocations, including Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs.
• Familiarity with OMB compliance requirements and labor cost tracking for federally funded programs.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CPA is a plus.

SALARY
The salary for this position is $75,000 – $80,000.

BENEFITS
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Dependent Care flexible spending account
• Commuter flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.