Director, Human Resources in Chicago, Illinois at Illinois CPA Society

Make an Impact on People, Culture, and Organizational Success

The Illinois CPA Society is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Human Resources to lead our human resources function and continue to create an engaging, supportive, and high-performing workplace.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished HR professional who enjoys both the strategic and hands-on sides of human resources. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to leadership while overseeing the programs, policies, and practices that support employees throughout their careers with the organization.

From recruiting and employee engagement to compensation, benefits, talent development, employee relations, and compliance, you’ll play an important role in shaping the employee experience and ensuring our people strategies support the Society’s goals.

Who We Are

Founded in 1903, the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is one of the largest and most respected state CPA membership associations in the nation. With the core mission of enhancing the value of the CPA profession, ICPAS supports and represents a vibrant community of more than 20,000 members at every stage of their accounting and finance careers. As a strategic partner to its members, ICPAS is trusted for offering convenient and customized education, timely and relevant information, influential advocacy, and countless opportunities to build meaningful connections. We are located at: 225 W Randolph St, Suite 450 Chicago, IL 60606 close to Metra and other public transportation. For more information about us see: https://www.icpas.org/

What You’ll Do

• Partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, talent strategy, and change initiatives.
• Lead recruitment and the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, talent development, employee transitions, and offboarding.
• Coach leaders on employee relations, performance concerns, workplace investigations, accommodations, and HR best practices.
• Oversee compensation and benefits, including pay structures, merit and bonus processes, benefit renewals, open enrollment, and vendor relationships.
• Administer the Society’s 401(k) and 457(b) retirement plans, including compliance, annual testing and reporting, contributions, and advisor relationships.
• Oversee payroll, HRIS, employee records, PTO administration, HR policies, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Lead employee engagement, training and professional development, workplace safety, and culture initiatives.
• Manage and develop the HR Generalist and manage key HR vendors and external partners.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, with 7 plus years of progressively responsible human resources experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Broad HR experience across talent acquisition/development, compensation, benefits, employee relations/engagement, performance management, HR operations, and compliance.
• Experience advising executives and managers on sensitive and complex employee matters.
• Experience managing HR vendors, brokers, consultants, and service providers.
• Working knowledge of payroll administration, payroll taxes, benefit payments, and related financial processes preferred.
• Experience administering 401(k)/457(B) or similar retirement plans, including compliance requirements and vendor relationships preferred.
• Strong understanding of employment laws, HR policies, and sound HR practices.
• Excellent communication, project management, judgment, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You…

• Enjoy being both a strategic HR partner and a hands-on HR leader.
• Communicate effectively and confidently in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Build credibility and trusted relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Are skilled at coaching and guiding leaders through complex employee situations.
• Move seamlessly between big-picture workforce priorities and day-to-day HR operations.
• Bring sound judgment, integrity, transparency, discretion, empathy, and accountability to your work.
• Value employee engagement, talent development, and creating opportunities for people to grow.
• Are committed to enhancing the employee experience while balancing organizational priorities, compliance requirements, and business realities.

Why Join ICPAS?

We offer a collaborative, supportive workplace and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Salary Range: 120k-125k per year depending on experience/qualifications
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance through Principal
• VSP Vision Insurance
• STD/LTD/Life Insurance
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Fifteen Paid holidays per year
• Flexible Vacation Time-Off Program
• Summer Hours
• Hybrid Work Environment - opportunity to work from home up to three days a week
• Other benefits to include on-site fitness center and discounted programs
• Employee Events & Activities – Regular opportunities to connect, celebrate, and have fun as a team at work or out in the community

ICPAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. We value the perspectives, skills, and experiences each individual brings and believe they strengthen our organization and the profession we serve.

AI may have been used during the recruiting process. See (link) to learn how.