Lyric Opera of Chicago
Payroll Analyst
Under the direction of the Director of Payroll, the Payroll Analyst will plan, organize and review the preparation, processing, balancing, analysis, and maintenance of the payroll function across Lyric's dynamic and multidisciplinary workforce. The Payroll Analyst will work closely in partnership with People & Culture, Finance, Operations, Artistic, Technical and Production Teams. This position will help develop, improve and strengthen payroll procedures and internal controls. Duties And Responsibilities:
Analyze an assigned payroll portfolio and support the team in executing all pay processes accurately and seamlessly across Lyric for various union and non-union groups. This position will serve as the backup to the Payroll Director. Review, process and audit time and attendance records under the provisions of labor laws and complex collective bargaining agreements (CBA). Review full-cycle payroll integrity, owning accuracy from inputting data to proofing final payroll output, and executing appropriate solutions. Responsible for leading the preparation of monthly benefit payments for health & welfare, pension, annuities, union training fund and dues for employees and independent contractors for multiple unions. Provide vital and high caliber customer service to employee inquiries pertaining to payroll related matters, including, but not limited to researching and resolving payroll related issues. Provide administrative support for financial statements and all internal and external audits relating to compensation, 401(k), and severance. Support the Payroll team in the accurate and effective administration of fringe benefit deductions and payments/reports to third parties, including wage garnishments and union dues. Analyze and execute benefits and deduction invoices and process for payment. Generate reports to calculate or verify the accuracy of payments and submit payments promptly. Partner with appropriate internal department supervisors and/or external software service vendors to resolve problems and correct discrepancies in pay and related payroll systems/records. Review proper flow of employee payroll data between the Payroll department and Company Management, Music Administration, People & Culture, Facilities & Technical, Finance, and other departments as required. Support year-end W-2 tie-outs and distribution of W-2s. Provide backup support to include coverage for others on the Payroll team. Contribute to the overall success of the opera by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned. As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need at any time. Knowledge And Skills:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the business field or 4-5 years of equivalent work experience. 3-5 years of payroll experience, or an appropriate combination of education and experience to demonstrate competency across the role. Proficiency with payroll HRIS systems (e.g. ADP Workforce Now/Enterprise eTime) required. System migration and/or upgrades experience a plus. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and Google Suite. Mastery of accuracy and prioritizing and managing time effectively to meet payroll deadlines. Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong math aptitude. Prior experience working with unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Functional knowledge of U.S. individual tax laws. Outstanding interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills to provide customer service to internal and external contacts, including handling confidential information. Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who works well in a larger team. Work Conditions:
Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or holidays to process payroll. Sitting for extended periods and screen time. Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment with or without accommodations. Compensation:
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt Salary Range is $55,000-$62,000 Application Deadline: August 18, 2025 (5:00pm CT) Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.
Under the direction of the Director of Payroll, the Payroll Analyst will plan, organize and review the preparation, processing, balancing, analysis, and maintenance of the payroll function across Lyric's dynamic and multidisciplinary workforce. The Payroll Analyst will work closely in partnership with People & Culture, Finance, Operations, Artistic, Technical and Production Teams. This position will help develop, improve and strengthen payroll procedures and internal controls. Duties And Responsibilities:
Analyze an assigned payroll portfolio and support the team in executing all pay processes accurately and seamlessly across Lyric for various union and non-union groups. This position will serve as the backup to the Payroll Director. Review, process and audit time and attendance records under the provisions of labor laws and complex collective bargaining agreements (CBA). Review full-cycle payroll integrity, owning accuracy from inputting data to proofing final payroll output, and executing appropriate solutions. Responsible for leading the preparation of monthly benefit payments for health & welfare, pension, annuities, union training fund and dues for employees and independent contractors for multiple unions. Provide vital and high caliber customer service to employee inquiries pertaining to payroll related matters, including, but not limited to researching and resolving payroll related issues. Provide administrative support for financial statements and all internal and external audits relating to compensation, 401(k), and severance. Support the Payroll team in the accurate and effective administration of fringe benefit deductions and payments/reports to third parties, including wage garnishments and union dues. Analyze and execute benefits and deduction invoices and process for payment. Generate reports to calculate or verify the accuracy of payments and submit payments promptly. Partner with appropriate internal department supervisors and/or external software service vendors to resolve problems and correct discrepancies in pay and related payroll systems/records. Review proper flow of employee payroll data between the Payroll department and Company Management, Music Administration, People & Culture, Facilities & Technical, Finance, and other departments as required. Support year-end W-2 tie-outs and distribution of W-2s. Provide backup support to include coverage for others on the Payroll team. Contribute to the overall success of the opera by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned. As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need at any time. Knowledge And Skills:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the business field or 4-5 years of equivalent work experience. 3-5 years of payroll experience, or an appropriate combination of education and experience to demonstrate competency across the role. Proficiency with payroll HRIS systems (e.g. ADP Workforce Now/Enterprise eTime) required. System migration and/or upgrades experience a plus. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and Google Suite. Mastery of accuracy and prioritizing and managing time effectively to meet payroll deadlines. Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong math aptitude. Prior experience working with unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Functional knowledge of U.S. individual tax laws. Outstanding interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills to provide customer service to internal and external contacts, including handling confidential information. Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who works well in a larger team. Work Conditions:
Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or holidays to process payroll. Sitting for extended periods and screen time. Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment with or without accommodations. Compensation:
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt Salary Range is $55,000-$62,000 Application Deadline: August 18, 2025 (5:00pm CT) Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.