Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll Manager

Department: Finance

Reports to: Chief Finance Officer

Location: Lawrence Public Schools – Central Office

Job Type: Full Time

Welcome to Lawrence Public Schools

Lawrence Public Schools (LPS) is committed to ensuring that all students master the knowledge and skills necessary to graduate high school ready for college, career, and life. We provide a rigorous, standards‑based instructional program paired with comprehensive academic, social‑emotional, and enrichment supports. Progress toward these goals is continuously monitored to ensure accountability to students, families, staff, and the wider community.

Position Summary

The Payroll Manager controls every facet of district payroll to guarantee timely, accurate compensation for all employees. Leading a team of two Payroll Specialists, the manager oversees bi‑weekly payroll processing in MUNIS, ensures compliance with tax and retirement regulations, and partners with school and district leaders to resolve payroll matters swiftly and professionally.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Prepare, audit, and finalize bi‑weekly payroll for all school employees.

• Review, verify, and process employee timesheets and action workflows.

• Generate and import time‑and‑attendance files into MUNIS.

Compliance & Reporting

• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local tax laws.

• Submit retirement contribution reports to the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System.

• Prepare periodic payroll reports for the Chief Financial Officer and other leaders.

Process Improvement

• Evaluate payroll procedures and implement changes to enhance efficiency and internal controls.

• Maintain payroll tables, codes, and annual salary updates within MUNIS.

Stakeholder Support

• Serve as primary liaison to the City Payroll Department.

• Respond to employee inquiries and support principals, department heads, and staff with payroll issues.

• Assist collective‑bargaining teams by providing cost analyses of salary proposals.

Budget & Reconciliation

• Contribute to compensation‑budget development and salary projections.

• Perform bi‑weekly payroll reconciliations and monitor batch accuracy and coding.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In‑depth knowledge of automated payroll systems (MUNIS preferred) and related accounting controls.
• Ability to design, document, and enforce payroll procedures.
• Strong analytical skills for data review, reconciliation, and budget projections.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills for collaboration with employees, vendors, and administrators.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other payroll/reporting software.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a minimum of five (5) years of progressive payroll‑management experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in payroll law, tax compliance, and internal controls.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Alternatives to the above qualifications may be considered at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Pay Range

$70,000-$84,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lawrence Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for employees and applicants. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Non‑Discrimination Statement

LPS maintains a workplace and learning environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil‑union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by law. Retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in investigations is strictly prohibited. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks and the availability of funding.