We Are:

Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are over 2,000 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.

Fermilab is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Assistant Payroll Manager. In this critical role, you will be responsible for directing and managing the operations of our Payroll area within the Accounting Department. You will ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial results while supervising and mentoring a team of accounting professionals. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a thorough understanding of accounting principles, and a proven track record of managing multistate payroll processes in a medium to large organization.

Responsibilities:
* Manage all activities of the assigned area, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial results.
* Review and approve transactions, reconciliations, and reports prepared by accounting staff.
* Direct the work of payroll team members, including prioritizing, assigning, and organizing work.
* Oversee all personnel actions for the department, including hiring, promotions, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions.
* Analyze and resolve complex accounting problems, questions, or discrepancies.
* Explain unusual or complex transactions, reports, or procedures to employees and outside individuals or organizations.
* Recommend, implement, and document changes in policies and procedures for the assigned area.
* Prepare complex financial statements/reports for management and external stakeholders.
* Maintain accounting records and procedure manuals pertinent to the assigned area.
* Perform other duties as assigned; may perform any duties of accountants and accounting assistants in the assigned area.

Requirements:
* Bachelor's Degree or equivalent and 5 years of proven experience managing payroll department and in-house payroll processing, at a medium to large organization.
* Knowledge of PeopleSoft payroll, Kronos (timecard), Ceridian (tax filing), and Workday.
* Experience with multi-state taxation
* Familiarity with wage garnishment and child support reporting.
* Union payroll experience preferred.
* Knowledge of visas and foreign taxation a plus.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
* Attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work within multiple software products.
* Strong time management skills for tight month-end deadlines and processing schedules.

Additional Information:
A Hybrid work schedule is a possibility. Relocation will be a consideration for the right candidate. This role is not eligible for employee referral bonus.

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:
* Mental Concentration, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Tight Work Schedule, Visually Demanding.

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab and FRA requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.