Payroll Specialist - Central Office chez Portland Public Schools

• Perform daily payroll department operations, including review and entry of time and attendance forms and timely filing of all paperwork
• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely
• Preparation, reconciliation and timely filing of all payroll reports (bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually)
• Work closely with HR to update employee records for new employees, retirements/terminations, benefit elections, pay rate changes, general ledger allocations, and changes in non-financial data (e.g change of address)
• Communicates with employees, internal and external parties in a respectful and professional manner and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Assist with budget and audit preparation as assigned.
• Prepares payment requests for benefits (medical, dental, retirement …) and withholding taxes.
• Performs and reviews the input of time sheets/time cards and maintenance of employee records in the integrated payroll application, including proper account coding and distribution.
• Assists employees, timekeepers, and supervisors with training, processing issues and requests for transaction information on a regular basis. Ensures timesheets and time cards are filed timely (prior to the next payroll).
• Updates and maintains transaction files and databases to reflect personnel updates/changes.
• Researches issues/discrepancies, and processes necessary corrections.
• Other duties as assigned by Accounting Manager or designee

• Working knowledge of payroll best practices.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations.
• Strong PC skills including proficiency in Excel, Word, Google Suite, and various payroll and financial operating systems.
• Working knowledge of automated payroll systems, electronic time sheets a plus ? Strong work ethic and team player.
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material
• Strong interpersonal (verbal and written) communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with various levels of management.
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritizing skills.
• Ability to understand and apply current payroll guidelines, system updates, and policy changes.
• Ability to follow, apply, interpret, and explain instructions and/or guidelines.
• Extensive attention to detail

• Bachelors degree in Business or Accounting preferred but not required
• Certified Payroll Professional preferred but not required
• 2-4 years of payroll processing experience desired
• Experience in bookkeeping and basic accounting concepts
• Salary to be determined by an applicant's applicable education, training, and experience, which will provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position

• Certified Payroll Professional preferred
• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)

• Year-round position
• Permanent, full time (1.0 FTE)
• Non-represented
• Hourly, eligible for overtime
• Eligible for benefits as outlined here

Located two hours north of Boston, Portland, Maine, is a progressive and vibrant community where all of the possibilities for living an active, balanced, and engaged life are at your fingertips. Portland Public Schools is a cornerstone of our community. We are the largest public school district in Maine and the most diverse district in Northern New England with more than 60 world languages spoken by our students and families. PPS offers competitive wages and a full range of benefits for both part-time and full-time staff. Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a complimentary employee assistance program, voluntary retirement plans, various paid time off options and much more!