Payroll Specialist

Learning Services Center / PSE UNION EXEMPT

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Hours: 8.0 hrs/260 days/year

Pay: $34.47 - $38.30

Supervisor: Executive Director of Finance and Operations

POSITION OVERVIEW

A payroll specialist prepares and processes school district payroll; does related work as required.  A payroll specialist processes, reviews, and maintains payroll accounts and records.  The work is performed under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Finance & Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School Diploma or equivalent, AA degree or equivalent or comparable work experience.
2. Three (3) years of school district payroll experience using various computer applications, or any combination of education/experience/training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
3. Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, planning/organization, and problem solving skills.
4. Must have a proven record of observing confidentiality.
5. Must have a proven record of punctuality, dependability, and consistent attendance.
6. Must have advanced computer and employee records management skills.
7. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of payroll accounting in a school district.
8. Knowledge of financial office procedures and practices.
9. Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication.
10. Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment to organize, set priorities, and coordinate activities.
11. Demonstrated ability to work within designated bounds of authority.
12. Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure with frequent interruptions, while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with staff, and the public.
14. Strong analytical and time management skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Organize, set priorities, and meet inflexible deadlines under considerable pressure.
2. Maintain a positive, productive, and cooperative relationship with staff.
3. Develop effective user-friendly information that is available to all employees to ensure clarity with regard to pay.
4. Independently perform a variety of complex and detailed tasks quickly with a high degree of accuracy.
5. Protect confidential information consistent with district ethical guidelines and state/federal laws.
6. Interact professionally and respectfully with staff and the public in all forms of communication, verbal and written. 
7. Provide exemplary customer service.
8. Demonstrate confidence and professionalism when meeting with employees
9. Remain flexible when handling numerous interruptions.
10. Verify employee salary placement.
11. Process the school district payroll utilizing the district employee management system.
12. Thorough knowledge and understanding of: FLSA, DRS, garnishment laws, MLEA and PSE contracts, and other state and federal laws regarding payroll.
13. Serves as a negotiating committee resource for payroll information.
14. Calculate retroactive pay as needed.
15. Plan and direct payroll processing to meet time requirements.
16. Determine and notify eligible employees regarding leave buy back and complete the process.
17. Confers with and answers payroll questions from district employees.
18. Maintain current knowledge on WSIPC procedures and operations.
19. Complies with department and district policies and procedures.
20. Attends meetings, conferences and workshops as requested and authorized.
21. Process employment verification requests.
22. Provide support to the Executive Director of Finance & Operations and other team members as needed.
23. Perform other job related duties as required.

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org.