Payroll Specialist – Big Lake Schools

Position: Payroll Specialist

Job Summary:  Complete all payroll processes to ensure timely, accurate payroll. Update and record employee changes on the system. Complete federal and state required payroll reports. Perform other general accounting functions, research, and/or report processing as required.

Date Available: April 1, 2025; will have overlap with incumbent until July 31, 2025

About Big Lake Schools: At Big Lake Schools, we pride ourselves on being the perfect size. We are small enough to offer the many benefits that come with being a small school district, but we are large enough to be able to offer exceptional programming that only large districts are able to offer.  We have a student population of 3200 spread across four schools; Liberty (EC-2), Independence (3-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Utilizing automated systems, review electronically reported time sheets for completeness and accuracy; contact supervisors to ensure timely completion and approval of electronic time; close electronic systems in a timely manner to perform and process payroll. Process payroll for non-exempt employees; process payroll for exempt employees and those with special and/or specific assignments based on appropriately submitted assignment forms (licensed and non- licensed positions) and other supplemental pay.  Process additional payrolls as needed for adjustments and retro-active pay.

2. Review new employee payroll forms for thoroughness and accuracy. Determine the most efficient means of entering and maintaining employee pay data on HRIS system. Update new and existing employee records to accurately reflect personal changes relating to pay and benefits. 

3. Provide assistance with electronic timekeeping system.

4. Reconcile payroll to general ledger semi-monthly.

5. Prepare annual employee W-2 forms, earning reports and other documents as necessary. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for FICA, TRA, PERA, Unemployment, State and Federal withholding and other federal, state or local agencies as required.

6. Ensures compliance with collective bargaining and other employee agreements.

7. Maintain records of personal leave, sick leave, and vacation leave. Assist employees in locating personal information on electronic systems or manual personnel files.

8. Receives and analyzes requests for garnishments and other miscellaneous deductions

9. Perform daily activities required to maintain accuracy within the HRIS computer system as they relate to payroll and benefit records. Provide support for finance and human resources as directed.

10. Assist in providing reports for financial audit.

Education Training and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a High School Diploma and two years of college or technical college or five years of prior work related experience. Coursework in payroll or human resources preferred;  experience with payroll or in a public employment setting preferred

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and email programs

• Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn Google suite

• Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn payroll information system and similar computer applications

Working Conditions: 12 month position working in the Big Lake Schools district office.

Application Procedure:  Candidates may apply for this opportunity via the school website at www.biglakeschools.org

Salary and benefits: The pay range is $26.02 to $34.33 which averages $54,121-$71,406 on an annual basis.

The benefits for this position are outlined in this district benefit guide and this group benefit summary.

Big Lake Schools is an equal opportunity employer: applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.