PAYROLL AND INSURANCE SUPERVISOR

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Payroll & Insurance Manager, the Payroll & Insurance Supervisor will assist in overseeing the daily operations of the department to ensure all department procedures are followed and payroll deadlines are met.   This position assists the Payroll & Insurance Manager with overseeing the receipt, calculation, verification, and processing of insurance enrollments and annuitant payroll transactions performed by the Payroll & Insurance team.  The Payroll & Insurance Supervisor serves as the primary backup to the Payroll & Insurance Manager in the performance of his or her responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and direct the daily activities of Payroll & Insurance analysts.
• Responsible for directing workflows, reviewing work, assigning tasks, approving time, and approving payroll and insurance transactions to ensure production deadlines are met.
• Prepare employee performance reviews and hold staff accountable per TRS policies.  Recommend disciplinary action, when needed, and handle employee concerns.
• Assist with the training and development of Payroll & Insurance analysts.
• Assist with developing and updating departmental policies and procedures.
• Assist with balancing the TRS Annuitant Periodic and Non-Periodic payroll records, preparing payroll vouchers, and obtaining proper signatures.
• Assist with the transfer of payroll vouchers and files to the Office of the Illinois Comptroller.  Serve as back up for failed vouchers and notify the Payroll & Insurance Manager of any issues.
• Assist with weekly and annual enrollment files pertaining to the Teachers’ Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) and the State Group Insurance Program.  Work with CMS and the CMS third party enrollment administrator to correct any TRIP or State group insurance issues.  
• Support the PAS Modernization project, as it relates to the Payroll & Insurance department.  Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT), requirements development, and assist the department manager with PAS system enhancements and product reviews.

Essential Functions (Continued):

• Assist with internal and external Payroll & Insurance audits. 
• Gather and maintain operating statistics for the Payroll & Insurance Manager.
• Responsible for ensuring the appropriate action is taken to satisfy the requirements of various Daily and User Action Reports.
• Provide counseling to members, employers, and/or their representative via telephone or correspondence in response to inquiries or problems.
• Serve as an advisor to the Payroll & Insurance Manager and assist the Deputy Director- Pension Administration in the absence of the Department Manager, as needed.  
• Work closely with other Supervisors or Managers to ensure consistency in the application of policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
• Ability to work within tight timeframes and meet deadlines.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems.
• Ability to effectively coach and deliver constructive feedback to subordinates.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and promote a positive work environment within the Payroll & Insurance Department.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field OR five (5) years of related experience in lieu of a degree.

• Knowledge of the State of Illinois Group Insurance Act and Article 16 of the Illinois Pension Code.
• One year in a supervisory or team lead/senior/specialist role.

Preferred Requirements:

• Three (3) years of experience in public pension fund member services or pension administration management.