POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Payroll and Benefits Specialist is directly responsible for the accurate and timely preparation, processing, and reconciliation of payroll for the school system. In addition to performing all core payroll functions, this position serves as the district’s benefits and payroll lead, guiding and training payroll clerks, ensuring data accuracy, and resolving complex payroll issues. The Specialist also assists with benefit administration by processing vendor payments, reconciling benefit accounts, and providing clear payroll-related information to employees.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred; minimum requirement of a High School Diploma or GED with at least two years of relevant coursework or experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Three to five years of payroll experience in a high-volume environment is required, preferably in a school district, including complex calculations, reconciliations, and audits.
• Experience using payroll systems or software is preferred.
• Experience working on a complex payroll team, providing guidance and support to ensure accuracy, is preferred.
• Experience in benefit-related payroll functions, such as vendor payments and deductions, is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of payroll processes, calculations, deductions, and reconciliations.
• Proficiency in payroll systems and software for data entry, reporting, and processing, including maintaining records for new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, and supplements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions, formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis, to efficiently manage payroll data, generate reports, and reconcile accounts.
• Familiarity with federal and state payroll and benefits regulations, including tax withholding, retirement plan compliance, and ACA reporting requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail in payroll data entry, calculations, reconciliations, and audits.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple payroll and benefits tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service, responding promptly and professionally to payroll and benefit-related inquiries.
• Collaborate effectively with payroll clerks, internal departments, and vendors to coordinate processes and resolve issues.
• Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, sound judgment, and critical thinking when handling payroll and benefits matters.
• Adaptable to changes in payroll processes, policies, and technology; willing to update knowledge through professional development.
• Personable and professional team player, fostering collaboration and effective communication within the payroll and benefits team.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES:

This job description is not exhaustive and may not include all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. The employee may be asked to perform other related duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.
• Attend relevant meetings and/or trainings.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders and colleagues, demonstrating a commitment to providing excellent customer service.