Payroll Specialist bei North Reading Public Schools

North Reading Public Schools is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage the payroll process for the District. North Reading Public Schools is actively looking to build a diverse workforce to ensure all students feel welcome, safe, and valued for who they are and supported to reach their potential.

In this role you will be responsible for timely and efficient administration of the payroll systems and processes, maintenance of records, and completion of various reports associated with the payroll process in order to provide an organized, efficient, and service-oriented office.

The Payroll Specialist is a 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE), full year 52 week position that is evaluated annually by the Assistant Superintendent Finance and Operations.This position is five (5) days per week (Monday through Friday). 

Essential duties

• Prepare bi-weekly payroll for all school department employees in Munis software system
• Sort and enter employee timesheets to issue additional pay for each pay period
• Coordinate with Human Resources on setting up new employees
• Calculate and execute employee pay adjustments such as deduct pay, leave of absence, payoffs, etc.
• Work with Business Office colleagues and staff from other departments on employee payroll charged to special funds such as grants, revolving fund, etc.
• Prepare and coordinate with Town Accounting to process payroll journal entries such as reclassifications, payroll holdovers, etc.
• Maintain and constantly update district payroll budget to reflect all personnel changes so accurate payroll projections can be performed
• Provide employee payroll information to other departments for reporting purposes, e.g. Medicaid
• Maintain employee self-service system and review summary report of changes, coordinate with Town Accounting when updates are needed in the system
• Conduct payroll projections by updating budget worksheets to assist with district budgeting process
• Analyze various payroll scenarios to assist with district contract negotiations
• Interpret and make inferences from district collective bargaining agreements and individual contracts to ensure payroll accuracy
• Review and ensure payroll compliance with applicable Massachusetts and federal laws, Town ordinance, School Committee policies, and district procedures
• Work as liaison between employees and Town Benefits Specialists to assist with insurance changes
• Maintain employee Affordable Care Act (ACA) information and process ACA reports
• Coordinate with the Town and the Third Party Administration (TPA) of Tax Sheltered Annuity program (403B) and the Deferred Compensation program (OBRA) on employee benefit changes
• Coordinate and process employee requests for Flexible Spending Plans
• Maintain and process all aspects and other assigned reports of the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS) and Middlesex County Retirement system for district employees and retirees
• Process employment verification request forms for mortgage applications, loan applications, worker’s compensation verification, etc.
• Generate and analyze various data reports to support district management and decision-making
• Produce clear and concise payroll reports with thorough backup information
• Maintain a filing system for various staff information so that it can be quickly retrieved
• Prepare various documents including confidential correspondence, reports, and memorandums as needed
• Research and identify innovative solutions to solve payroll issues in an increasingly more complex and technical environment
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of personnel information
• Respond to management and employee inquiries and requests for assistance on payroll and benefits
• Promote and contribute to the positive and productive work environment of the Business Office team
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations or their Designee

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum 1-3 years of relevant experience, experience in school payroll preferred
• Experience in municipal financial accounting software (Munis preferred)
• Excellent attention to detail with organizational abilities and accounting skills
• Strong analytical abilities utilizing Excel, other Microsoft Office products, and Google Sheets
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standard policies, procedures, and regulations
• Knowledge of databases, with specific emphasis on payroll and time and attendance systems
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with various deadlines and interruptions
• History of initiating new procedures and processes to improve efficiency
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate new methods and procedures
• Able to work independently and within a team to set priorities and complete multiple tasks
• Experience managing tasks and expectations effectively under pressure, this includes addressing conflicts and problem solving
• Good judgment and maintain objectivity and fairness in dealing with people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Impeccable record in maintaining confidentiality of employees, students, and district information
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of school districts and of state and federal regulations associated with employee compensation preferred
• Previous experience working with collective bargaining negotiations and analysis preferred
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required

The North Reading Public Schools (NRPS) provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students develop both their social-emotional and academic skills and abilities through an exploration of a wide range of content areas, the arts, athletics, and extra-curricular opportunities. With a dedication to excellence, service, and life-long learning our students will engage collaboratively, think critically, embrace diversity, and value equity in order to become productive global citizens.

NRPS is actively looking to build a diverse workforce to ensure all students feel welcome, safe, and valued for who they are and supported to reach their potential. Candidates with different perspectives and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply to grow our school community and help students feel personally connected to their learning experiences and feel represented inside and outside of the classroom ensuring a sense of belonging.

North Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin age, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the District's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact the Human Resources Administrator.