Payroll Specialist

School District of Lancaster • Carter Administrative Offices, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist will assist with the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for all district employees. This role involves managing the timekeeping system, resolving payroll issues, and serving as the primary backup to the Payroll Manager. The goal is to safeguard employee compensation and support operational excellence.

Requirements

• HS Diploma/GED
• Experience processing payroll in-house via computer software programs: Munis & Kronos
• Knowledge of payroll procedures as it relates to salaries, fringes, and withholdings
• Good understanding of payroll and tax reporting regulations
• High degree of accuracy in mathematical calculations
• Knowledge of accounting principles
• Detail-oriented with analytical and organizational skills
• Proficient in data management and analysis
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships across the organization
• Professional demeanor and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency in technology and use of office equipment including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Must be willing to engage in ongoing learning in the field of office technology.
• Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements

Nice To Haves

• 1 – 3 years of related experience
• Associate’s degree in Business, Accounting or related field

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for employees and leaders by providing consultation on payroll matters, policies, and processes, and addressing escalated issues related to discrepancies, employee inquiries, and compliance concerns.
• Conduct new hire orientation sessions related to payroll and time and attendance procedures.
• Maintain professional relationships with all staff members by providing quality customer service and upholding confidentiality while handling sensitive compensation data.
• Maintain compliance with all payroll related employment and tax laws including but not limited to FLSA and IRS.
• Act as the back up to the Payroll Manager, independently managing full-cycle payroll operations during their absence.
• Calculate, validate and process payroll cycles in alignment with district policy, regulatory standards and collective bargaining agreements.
• Ensure accurate tax calculations, deductions and timely submission of required tax payments for bi-weekly and quarterly reporting.
• Serve as primary administrator, subject matter expert and manage all functions, which includes maintenance and troubleshooting any issues that arise for the district’s timekeeping platform.
• Design and present training sessions to end-users of the timekeeping platform to ensure system adoption, compliance and accurate time reporting.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve payroll issues.
• Collaborate with the Payroll Manager to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and ensure ongoing accuracy and compliance.
• Generate, review and analyze reports to ensure data integrity, compliance with regulations, and alignment with internal controls.
• Support audits, year-end processing and regulatory filings.
• Maintain current detailed spreadsheets, files and data concerning all aspects of payroll accounting in a complete and systematic manner.
• Support all levels of communication with students, parents, staff and community.
• Support departmental policies, procedure manuals and work instructions.
• Assist with the monthly preparation of the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System reporting.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Payroll Manager, Director of Finance and Chief Financial and Operations Officer.

Benefits

• Evaluations will be done according to the current collective bargaining agreement.
• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex/gender, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED