POSITION SUMMARY
The Business Office Generalist serves as the primary administrator for employee and retiree benefits while providing key support to overall Business Office operations. The role is cross-trained to back up payroll processing and purchasing/accounts payable functions, ensuring continuity of operations.
This position operates in a highly confidential environment and requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to exercise independent judgment.
REPORTS TO
Director of Financial Operations
REPRESENTATION STATUS
Individual Employment Contract / Unrepresented Staff
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES – BENEFITS:
Manages and maintains employee and retiree benefits for the Smithfield School Department, including enrollment, eligibility, changes, and compliance with programs such as FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and healthcare regulations. Handles benefit inquiries, processes invoices and payments, and maintains accurate records related to leaves and benefits continuation.
Supports financial and business operations by processing invoices, managing cash deposits, reconciling accounts, and preparing journal entries. Assists with regulatory reporting (e.g., IRS forms, healthcare coverage reporting), monitors substitute hours for compliance, and provides backup support for payroll and retirement plan inquiries. Also performs additional duties to support the business office as needed.
BACKUP RESPONSIBILITIES – PAYROLL & PURCHASING
Provides backup support for payroll, purchasing, and accounts payable functions, including handling inquiries, processing invoices, managing deductions, and assisting with reporting. Also supports the Business Office during staff absences or peak workloads.
QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a public school district, municipality or non-profit preferred.
Associates degree with a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience or a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in human resources in lieu of degree. Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.
Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to maintain and prioritize multiple active projects.
Must be detail-oriented, thorough and can work independently.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
General understanding of the RI Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA).
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (orally and in writing).
Ability to establish and maintain collegial, positive, and productive relationships and communication with staff and vendors; and to work as a productive member of a team in a highly confidential office.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability of the above as evidenced by course work, educational experience, involvement in professional activities, previous work experience, professional references, and the interview process.
The Business Office Generalist serves as the primary administrator for employee and retiree benefits while providing key support to overall Business Office operations. The role is cross-trained to back up payroll processing and purchasing/accounts payable functions, ensuring continuity of operations.
This position operates in a highly confidential environment and requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to exercise independent judgment.
REPORTS TO
Director of Financial Operations
REPRESENTATION STATUS
Individual Employment Contract / Unrepresented Staff
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES – BENEFITS:
Manages and maintains employee and retiree benefits for the Smithfield School Department, including enrollment, eligibility, changes, and compliance with programs such as FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and healthcare regulations. Handles benefit inquiries, processes invoices and payments, and maintains accurate records related to leaves and benefits continuation.
Supports financial and business operations by processing invoices, managing cash deposits, reconciling accounts, and preparing journal entries. Assists with regulatory reporting (e.g., IRS forms, healthcare coverage reporting), monitors substitute hours for compliance, and provides backup support for payroll and retirement plan inquiries. Also performs additional duties to support the business office as needed.
BACKUP RESPONSIBILITIES – PAYROLL & PURCHASING
Provides backup support for payroll, purchasing, and accounts payable functions, including handling inquiries, processing invoices, managing deductions, and assisting with reporting. Also supports the Business Office during staff absences or peak workloads.
QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a public school district, municipality or non-profit preferred.
Associates degree with a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience or a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in human resources in lieu of degree. Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.
Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to maintain and prioritize multiple active projects.
Must be detail-oriented, thorough and can work independently.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
General understanding of the RI Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA).
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (orally and in writing).
Ability to establish and maintain collegial, positive, and productive relationships and communication with staff and vendors; and to work as a productive member of a team in a highly confidential office.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability of the above as evidenced by course work, educational experience, involvement in professional activities, previous work experience, professional references, and the interview process.