25-26 Payroll Coordinator

Somerville Public Schools•Somerville, MA

About The Position

The Payroll Coordinator position is a critical member of the Finance team, responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll for all school district employees. By keeping payroll and benefits running smoothly, this role directly supports staff morale and confidence and enables educators to focus on students. This is a union-represented position under the AFSCME Clerical Unit.

Requirements

Excellent technology skills including Microsoft Excel and other data entry
High level of accuracy and dependability
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to learn complex systems, multi-task, follow detailed procedures, and meet stringent deadlines
Experience in payroll, accounting, or finance, especially in public or school settings
Working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and retirement systems preferred
Post-secondary studies in an applicable field (i.e. accounting, finance, management) preferred

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with MUNIS or similar payroll/finance software is helpful, but not required

Responsibilities

Prepares and processes regular and supplemental payrolls for all district staff (salaried, hourly, and stipend-based)
Ensures all compensation and benefits are distributed in accordance with relevant Collective Bargaining Agreements
Sorts and distributes pay checks
Generates and analyzes data reports to ensure accuracy of employee payroll deduction, salary, tax, demographic files and records
Supports accurate reporting to the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS)
Plans, manages and administers all staff voluntary and mandatory payroll deductions including but not limited to insurances, union dues, deferred compensation, retirement, loans, etc.
Manages and processes electronic payroll deposit files
Accurately on-boards new employees into the payroll system
Processes and applies to payroll all staff appointments, salary adjustments, promotions, resignations, terminations, leaves of absence, and any other changes affecting the payroll
Works with Human Resources and school leaders to ensure timely updates to payroll and position data
Manages and utilizes payroll software (MUNIS) and all related databases and spreadsheets
Configures Excel timesheets from district departments and prepares them for import into the payroll
Maintains and applies effective working knowledge of benefits and compensation best practices, tax entity forms, state and local tax laws, rules and regulations with respect to payroll preparation and maintenance of records
Respond to employee questions and resolve issues related to compensation and benefits
Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with district policies and applicable laws
Prepare payroll reports and filings for city, state, and federal agencies as required
Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned