Payroll/Benefits Specialist en Phoenix-Talent Schools

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum three years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, including processing payroll, reconciling deductions, and maintaining related records.

• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, federal and state wage and hour laws, and tax reporting requirements (e.g., W-2, 941, ACA).

• Experience with employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.

• Knowledge of school district accounting, financial procedures, and budget preparation.

• Proficiency in using financial and HRIS software systems and standard office equipment.
  
  Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, meet strict deadlines, and manage sensitive information confidentially.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to explain payroll and benefits procedures to employees.

• Ability to research and resolve payroll and benefits discrepancies independently and in collaboration with HR and finance staff.

• Physical requirements include:

   

  • Ability to communicate clearly in person and via telephone or email

  • Ability to read and interpret written materials, reports, and policy documents

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain payroll records and databases; process monthly and supplemental payrolls as needed, ensuring accuracy and compliance with district policies and applicable laws.

• Administer all employee benefit and payroll deduction files including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and voluntary deductions such as TSAs and deferred compensation.

• Prepare and reconcile required federal and state reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis (e.g., W-2s, 941s, ACA, PERS, unemployment).

• Track and reconcile payroll-related leave balances (e.g., sick, vacation, personal), and coordinate with HR on leave actions affecting payroll.

• Process and track leave balances as they relate to payroll, including FMLA, OFLA, Oregon Paid Family Leave, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation; ensure timely entry and adjustments in payroll systems to meet compliance and reporting requirements.

• Prepare salary surveys and respond to external requests related to payroll and benefits.

• Assist with forecasting payroll and benefit costs in coordination with Finance Department staff.

• Provide employee support regarding payroll, benefit enrollment, retirement deductions, and other compensation-related questions.

• Maintain benefit enrollment records and reconcile monthly provider billing statements with payroll deductions.

• Ensure accurate implementation of payroll changes related to employee status updates (e.g., new hires, terminations, step increases, assignment changes).

• Balance and close monthly and year-end payroll processes in coordination with Business Services.

• Remain current on federal and state requirements related to payroll, benefits, unemployment, worker’s compensation, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

• Support retirees with questions regarding retiree insurance coverage and early retirement stipends.

• Serve as a liaison between employees, benefit carriers, and internal departments to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits-related actions.

• Process, track, and respond to unemployment claims and required notices in coordination with HR and relevant agencies.

• Support Workers’ Compensation documentation and reporting in collaboration with HR and third-party providers.

• Respond to employee and supervisor inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, leave balances, and collective bargaining agreement guidelines and procedures related to compensation and benefits.

• Provide guidance to staff on payroll and benefits procedures; assist employees with using leave reporting systems or self-service tools.

           Support employees during open enrollment periods and assist with understanding benefit plan options and changes.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.

• Maintain an open, constructive, and communicative attitude.

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions and priorities.

• Complete tasks with accuracy, efficiency, and in a timely manner.

• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

• Take initiative in identifying and completing job-related responsibilities.

• Make appropriate decisions within the scope of responsibility.

• Perform required physical tasks related to office work.

• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate loyalty to the organization.

• Actively engage in job-related self-improvement and professional development.

• Be punctual, reliable, and consistently present.

• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Follow established safety procedures and guidelines.

All applicants will be considered carefully.  Those candidates selected for interviews will be notified shortly after the closing date.  Applicants are asked not to call for interviews.  All applicants will be notified when the position is filled.

Phoenix-Talent School District #4 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in accordance with Federal and State Legislation, does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or marital status, physical or mental disability in employment practices or education programs.  If you need special accommodations because of a disability, please contact the personnel office at 535-1517 Voice/TDD.
 
Any offer of employment made by Phoenix-Talent Schools is contingent upon satisfactory results of criminal history verification- a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.