Specialist

This is a 12 month position, 8 hours per day (8:30 am - 5:00 pm).

Initial placement shall be made by Human Resources on Step 1 unless employee has previous "like and kind" experience then, years of experience credit may be considered for placement.

Advancement: All professional and technical employees will move incrementally over one salary schedule step each year. Step advances are only made once a year effective September 1. To be eligible for such step advancement, an employee must have been in the position by January 31 of the previous school year.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The position of Payroll Specialist is for the purpose(s) of processing all phases of payroll; reviewing complex payroll data collections and computations in conformance with mandated requirements; and maintaining confidential employee records. Performs a variety of accounting, and analytical activities for such purposes as preparing, updating and maintaining the monthly payroll for assigned employee groups.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

E = ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Review and process all timesheets in compliance with payroll procedures.

Review and post leaves, working to ensure proper documentation has been received.

Review employee status changes; allocate or adjust leaves as necessary.

Process Form W4 and direct deposits.

Assist various teams and employees with payroll-related questions and requests; aid employees in understanding their pay and payroll processing.

Research and respond to exception pay discrepancies, follow through with necessary corrections, coordinating with employees and departments involved.

Monitor and process shared leave, researching eligibility and transferring the leave appropriately.

Review and process workers’ compensation time loss leave and light duty.

Maintain a variety of payroll information, files and records for ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.

Maintains knowledge of various payroll procedures and guidelines according to district policies, state and federal regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.

Process and prepare verification of employment requests and miscellaneous employee history information.

Process sick leave transfer requests according to guidelines and policies.

Verify and input W4 and direct deposit information and union dues.

Prepare, maintain, and distribute leave reports for individual locations.

Process and upload monthly vacation accruals.

Analyze and process all Nutrition Services and Transportation monthly payroll and leaves in accordance with their contracts.

Import Excel spreadsheets for various extra pay.

Audits a variety of reports for researching discrepancies and making corrections.

Maintains vast knowledge of Skyward payroll program.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree in accounting or business with accounting emphasis and two years of experience in a large organization.

Licensing and Certification

None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• School district payroll experience
• Experience with Skyward School Management Software

Employment eligibility that may include fingerprints, health (TB), and/or other employment clearance.

Must have valid driver’s license and automobile available for use. Must be willing to attend evening and weekend meetings.

(Allowable Substitutions: Any combination of experience and training which provide the incumbent/applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work, as determined by the district.)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Must demonstrate a successful level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Knowledge of payroll terminology, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of automated payroll/personnel system.
• Knowledge of tax law effects on payroll.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to coordinate complex payroll processes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of others.
• Display results and data interpretations graphically using data visualization software.
• Skill in listening to obtain information
• Skill in problem resolution.
• Skill and accuracy in 10-key operation.
• Skill and detecting errors and verifying data.

Environment:

Requires substantial visual concentration; required to sit for prolonged periods; requires prolonged exposure to visual display terminals; occasionally required to deal with upset individuals; required to meet externally-imposed and inflexible deadlines; exposed to frequent interruptions to concentration; may be required to work long hours depending on work cycles.

Physical demands:

• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching, and reaching to retrieve and maintain files and records.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, computer keyboard, and other equipment necessary to complete the required duties.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.
• Visual ability to read, and to prepare/process documents and to monitor various services and personnel.
• Sitting for extended periods.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Walking over rough or uneven surfaces.
• Climbing, occasional use of stepladders.
• Physical activity may be required, which could include moderate lifting.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Hazards:

• Extended viewing of computer monitor and working around and with office equipment having moving parts.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Kent School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Community of Human Resources.