PAYROLL AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Work Schedule: 12-month/240-days                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Exemption Status: Non-exempt

JOB OVERVIEW

This position performs a variety of complex computations as it relates to proper calculation of wages, overtime, and supplemental pay, voluntary and involuntary deductions. Researches, resolves, and communicates complex payroll issues accurately and efficiently both orally and in writing. This position reconciles and requests remittances for vendor payments associated with payroll withholding.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma supplemented by coursework in bookkeeping and accounting required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in payroll, accounting, or financial administration required.
• Demonstrated general knowledge of wage and hour laws, payroll tax withholding requirements, and legal obligations related to court-ordered deductions, including but not limited to child support, garnishments, and bankruptcy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the RDA (or other) Software system, payroll, and Frontline software systems.
• General knowledge of wage and hour laws, payroll tax withholding requirements, and legal obligations related to court-ordered deductions, including child support, garnishments, and bankruptcy.
• Proficient in computer systems and technology applications.
• Knowledge of benefits reconciliations.

• Preferred knowledge of school system business practices and procedures. 

• Ability to maintain complex financial records and prepare records and statements, make mathematical computations quickly and accurately, and post accounts with speed and accuracy. 

• Strong oral and written communication skills and standards office procedures and practices.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Enters new hires, employee changes, and voluntary deductions in the payroll system.
• Facilitates exit interviews/data collection
• Processes hourly and salary monthly payrolls.
• Prepares and processes garnishments.
• Processes stop payments or adjustments of payroll.
• Ensures that computing, withholding, and deductions are done correctly.
• Sets up and processes employee payroll deductions.
• Reconciles all payroll vendor payments (VRS, Health, Dental, etc.).
• Resolves all employee-related payroll issues.
• Transmits Federal and State withholding tax deposits.
• Computes and uploads quarterly unemployment reports and quarterly 941 federal tax reports.
• Reconciles and issues W-2s at the end of the calendar year.
• Keeps accurate records on employee leave time.
• Serves as Health Insurance Administrator.

REPORTS TO: Budget and Finance Director

SUPERVISES: NA

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The environmental factors and/or physical requirements of this position include the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. 

Essex Public Schools reserves the right to re-advertise and modify the content of vacancy announcements at any time; however, this may be the only notice for this position during the noted advertisement period.

The Essex County School Board is committed to nondiscrimination with regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment prevails in all of its policies and practices concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals and entities with whom the Board does business. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.