Payroll Specialist

The School District of Cape Girardeau is seeking a dedicated full-time Payroll Specialist for the 2025-26 school year.  

Brief Description of Position: 

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing and executing all payroll-related processes for the district’s employees, ensuring accurate and timely compensation in compliance with district policies, state and federal regulations. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent organizational skills to maintain payroll records, process employee deductions, and address payroll-related inquiries.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree or 60 hours college credit in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 2-3 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a public sector or educational setting.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations, including FSLA, and IRS guidelines.
• Understanding of basic principles of accounting.
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to contribute to a team working environment and collaborate with co-workers to solve problems and create a positive and professional work climate.
• Familiarity with K-12 payroll systems and retirement reporting is preferred.
• Ability to follow verbal instructions and communicate effectively
• Ability to operate safety equipment and adaptive equipment
• Ability to work well with individuals with disabilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer payroll for all district employees, including full-time, part-time, substitutes, and contracted staff, adhering to scheduled deadlines.
• Regularly update employee information in the payroll system, including new hires, terminations, and salary changes.
• Verify timesheets and attendance records to ensure accuracy.
• Calculate wages, overtime, and adjustments for salaries, stipends, and other compensations.
• Prepare and submit required federal and state tax reporting requirements, including 941s, and W-2s.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including accurate calculation and withholding of taxes, retirement contributions, and garnishments.
• Maintain detailed and accurate payroll records for auditing and reporting purposes.
• Educate staff on payroll processes.
• Respond promptly to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions and discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure seamless integration of employee data.
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll accounts and ensure accuracy in district financial reporting.
• Liaise with external agencies such as retirement system and tax authorities.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.

General Information:

For more information and to apply for these positions, visit www.capetigers.com (Job Opportunities).

Application Deadline:  Open until filled

Salary : $46,990 - $67,083