PAYROLL SPECIALIST CENTRAL OFFICE 12 MONTH POSITION en Alleghany County Schools

Payroll Specialist 12 Month Position 

Location: Alleghany County Schools Department: Finance Reports To: Chief Officer for School Finance Employment Type: Full-Time with Benefits

Overview

Alleghany County Schools is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Specialist to join our Finance team. This role is critical to ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for all district employees in accordance with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) payroll policies and procedures and maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative problem-solver with strong organizational skills and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process monthly payrolls for all employee types, including salaried, hourly, substitute, and contract staff in accordance with NCDPI and local board policies.
• Maintain update and verify employee payroll records data, including salary schedules, leave balances, changes, and terminations.
• Ensure compliance with district policies and state/federal regulations related to payroll and school finance.
• Calculate and process payments for overtime, supplements, bonuses, non-cash benefits, and longevity pay.
• Reconcile payroll verification reports and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare and distribute W-2 forms and manage reprint requests.
• Monitor and resolve audit exceptions from internal and state reviews.
• Enter FMLA and benefit-related leave data in coordination with HR and benefits specialist to ensure accuracy.
• Develop and maintain payroll calendars, schedules, and reporting deadlines.
• Train and support school bookkeepers on payroll procedures; provide backup support during absences.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to align payroll with staffing and benefits changes.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and tax documentation.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing documentation and reports.
• Update finance web page as needed.
• Federal PAR reporting
• Responsible for monthly bank recon for school food service.
• Maintaining and billing monthly reports for several programs.
• Enter employee garnishments.
• Fill out loan verification and forgiveness forms.
• Enter Substitutes into payroll for classrooms, bus, and school food service as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Officer for School Finance and Central Office Administration. 

Qualifications

• High school diploma with business education emphasis required; associate degree in business or accounting preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of payroll experience; school system experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; experience with payroll software systems (e.g. LINQ or similar).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Be willing to attend academy manager classes/trainings offered by NCASBO at employer expense.
• Occasional extended hours may be required or necessary to meet payroll processing deadline and or audits.

Salary Commensurable with Experience

DISCLAIMER
 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.