Staff Accountant, LEA Payroll Services

Kent Intermediate School District • Grand Rapids, MI

3d

About The Position

Staff Accountant, LEA Payroll Services Kent ISD Full time, 260 day year-round position Non-Union Hourly Classified, Grade 5 Responsible for the accurate and timely preparation, processing, and distribution of payrolls for assigned local education agencies (LEAs). This position ensures compliance with applicable regulations, provides exceptional customer service to district partners, and supports payroll operations and reporting for Kent ISD.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with concentration in accounting preferred.
• Proficient at Microsoft Excel and competent in other Microsoft Suite products.
• Familiar with General Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP).
• Must possess a positive attitude and interpersonal skills to clearly communicate and collaborate with both internal and external customers.
• High level of organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work independently with confidentiality, trust, and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze financial data, reconcile discrepancies, and resolve related issues.
• Ability to take initiative and work within a team.
• High level of professionalism and discretion.
• Approach tasks and challenges with enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute to team success.
• Predictable and reliable attendance, essential.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with school fund accounting procedures and systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process the complete payroll cycle for assigned districts, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Import hours worked, employee reimbursements, and compensated absences from templates prepared by the LEA.
• Update pay rates, salaries, and pay tables (if applicable) in Tyler Enterprise ERP (Munis) based on information provided by the LEA.
• Process all employee changes, including deductions, address changes, and other payroll-related updates.
• Add new employees and terminations in Tyler Enterprise ERP (Munis) based on information provided by the LEA.
• Administer and maintain garnishments, court orders, and child support deductions in Tyler Enterprise ERP (Munis).
• Prepare payroll liability batches for Accounts Payable processing.
• Complete Office of Retirement Services’ (ORS) Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) retirement reporting, including Tax-Deferred Payments (TDP), MUNIS-to-ORS reconciliation, audit reports, and Small Steps adjustments.
• Prepare and submit final salary affidavits for retirees.
• Maintain and submit EPARS and demographic files for 403(b) annuity reporting.
• Update tax tables and FICA limits within the payroll system.
• Complete quarterly 941 reports for LEAs (LEA reviews and submits).
• Reconcile, print, and produce electronic files for W-2s.
• Print ACA forms, when applicable, if a third-party vendor is not utilized by the LEA.
• Prepare fiscal year-end payroll accruals and compensated absence accruals using information provided by the LEA.
• Maintain complete electronic payroll records, deductions, and employee benefit data for each assigned district.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, FLSA requirements, and LEA-specific collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate with LEA business and human resources offices to validate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to district partners, ensuring prompt and professional communication and support.
• Participate in cross-training with other LEA payrolls to ensure consistent payroll coverage and continuity of service.
• Act as Kronos/UKG Administrator, add and maintain employee data, and provide training and support to timekeepers and supervisors.
• Verify payroll data for ISD employees, including pay rate changes, new hires, terminations, and employee status adjustments.
• Process Office of Retirement Services (ORS) uploads and bi-weekly reconciliations for Kent ISD payrolls.
• Support year-end accounting procedures, including accruals, audit schedules, and required financial reports.
• Assist maintaining complete electronic and paper records of employee payroll data and reports.
• Assist other business office team members and perform related accounting duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Payroll and Benefits and Director of Fiscal Services.

Benefits

• Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid sick and vacation days; State of Michigan School Employment retirement program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level