Payroll and Finance Operations Specialist

Menlo School is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Payroll and Finance Operations Specialist to join our Business Office. This role will primarily focus on payroll processing and administration but will also support other accounting and financial operational functions. Our payroll operations are complex, given the diverse types of employees, including full-time salaried, part-time hourly, and seasonal staff. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in payroll processes, a strong understanding of compliance, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic school environment. Key Responsibilities: Accurately process and manage payroll for all Menlo School employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of timecards, salary changes, stipends, and deductions. Maintain and update payroll records, including employee information, pay rates, and deductions. Review and reconcile payroll transactions, accrued time off, and retirement plan contributions, identifying and resolving discrepancies. Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts, benefit deductions, payroll cash transactions and other withholdings, cross-checking against internal records and benefits administration systems, correcting differences to ensure accuracy and compliance with school policies and applicable laws. Lead and manage payroll-related audits, including workers’ compensation and retirement plan audits. Conduct internal audit of retirement plan eligibility including review employee hours worked monthly to determine eligibility for retirement plan participation. Administer and report to the retirement platform. Calculate and track sick leave, vacation balances, and other time-off accruals. Review and distribute year-end payroll reports (W-2s, 1095s, etc.). Respond to payroll inquiries from employees regarding wages, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll matters. Draft and maintain documentation for payroll procedures and procurement guidelines. Collaborate with the account