What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Specialist position at Central Office?
Title: Payroll Specialist
Location: Lafayette County School District, Oxford, Mississippi
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Reports To: Director of Finance
Job Summary: The Lafayette County School District is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Assistant Business Manager with a specialization in payroll to join our finance team. The ideal candidate will manage all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for district employees. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Qualifications:
- Education: Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably within a school district or similar organization. Experience with payroll software and systems is required.
- Skills:
- Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements.
- Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Processing:
- Oversee the accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll for all district employees, including teachers, staff, and administrators.
- Ensure all payroll transactions, including regular pay, overtime, stipends, and deductions, are accurately calculated and processed.
- Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve any issues or discrepancies promptly.
Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, including tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and wage garnishments.
- Prepare and submit required payroll reports, including tax filings, retirement contributions, and other necessary documentation.
- Assist with audits related to payroll and provide necessary documentation and explanations.
- Assist with managing and submititing PERS leave in conjunction with school bookkeepers.
Employee Support:
- Serve as the point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from district employees, providing clear and timely responses.
- Assist employees with understanding their pay stubs, deductions, and benefits.
- Process payroll-related changes, such as new hires, terminations, and status changes.
System Management:
- Maintain and update payroll software and systems to ensure accurate and efficient payroll processing.
- Collaborate with IT and other departments to troubleshoot and resolve payroll system issues.
- Ensure the confidentiality and security of payroll data.
Record-Keeping:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records and documentation.
- Manage employee payroll files and ensure all records are properly archived and accessible as needed.
- Assist with district programs in time management and leave management.
Process Improvement:
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.
- Stay informed about changes in payroll laws and regulations, and ensure district policies and practices are updated accordingly.
Planning and Budgeting
- Assist the Director of Finance with developing and implementing the payroll budget
- Manages payroll budget
Terms of Employment: 238 Days (Full-Time)
