About the Company
The payroll specialist is responsible for coordinating and preparing proper compensation of district employees, ensuring appropriate deductions and accurate payroll records are maintained.
About the Role
The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental job duties:
Responsibilities
- Calculate, verify for prior approval, and authorize payroll changes such as salary increases, terminations, new hires based on negotiated agreements or Board adopted wage scales and authorized salaries.
- Communicate, coordinate, and ensure accurate payroll processes are in effect to activate and reflect all authorized actions.
- Manage processing, computing, recording, and reporting of compensation-related actions on salaried and hourly employees.
- Research and correct errors as necessary.
- Prepare and maintain supporting documentation.
- Develop and maintain the records management system for all payroll records for all school employees in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
- Assist with management of the financial / human resource system, research best practices and methods, recommend tools and develop techniques for compiling, organizing, and presenting data.
- Serve as a source for determining efficient electronic management of personnel data in the district’s financial / human resource system; design, develop, and present meaningful reporting methods for administrative use in negotiations, benefits, determining staffing levels, cost analyses, and other finance and human resource applications as necessary and appropriate.
- Provides positive customer service to staff member inquiries by providing an inviting, respectful, and collaborative environment.
- Research, gather data, prepare reports and spreadsheets relating to contract negotiations and/or grievance hearings, and other confidential personnel matters.
- Process and prepare all local, state, and federal reports on a timely basis.
- Analyze changes to laws; ensure appropriate revisions to accurately meet regulations.
- Interface with various teams such as Finance, Human Resources, etc., to ensure all deadlines are met and payroll processes are accurate and timely.
- Balances all payroll semi-monthly and benefit liability accounts monthly resolving payroll discrepancies.
- Provides Finance Department with payroll information and worksheets for annual audit reconciliation.
- Assists the Director of Finance & Operations and/or HR Director with staffing preparation including:
- a. calculating FTE's
- b. calculating number of staff, based on enrollment and Board authorized ratio's
- Assists other Finance & Operations and Human Resources department staff with various projects as needed.
- Reports leaves of absences for Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) and Public Employee’s Retirement Association (PERA).
- Follows district procedures and processes designed to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data.
- Provides regular and consistent data reports to supervisor and other stakeholders.
- Attends trainings, workshops, and staff development opportunities related to finance, payroll, and human resources as directed by Director of Finance & Operations.
- Collaborates with school principals and other administrative staff to facilitate strong, respectful work relationships between finance and other areas of responsibility within the District.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED
- Previous experience working in payroll, accounting or finance, or a related field.
- High degree of aptitude and proficiency with computer based accounting systems and with personal computer applications such as Word, Excel, etc.
- Ability to understand and implement IRS rules, MN Statutes, and other legal regulations pertaining to employee benefits, compensation, and data.
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
- Considerable experience in payroll, accounting, or finance.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working in a team environment with evidence of good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interact positively with others.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work with diverse groups.
