Description

BASIC FUNCTIONS:  

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, the Payroll and Accounting Supervisor provides supervision and coordination of payroll and accounting functions of the school district. This position entails a vast amount of personal contact with employees, substitutes, former employees, union officials, insurance companies, Labor and Industries, Workers’ Compensation Trust, COBRA, and state and federal agencies.  This position requires the individual to work independently without supervision and to exercise good judgment in fulfilling the responsibilities of the essential job functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for all payroll functions to ensure accurate and timely payroll for district employees, including the audit of payroll monthly to ensure accuracy, timeliness and compliance. Ensure the maintenance and security of payroll-related records, documents, calculations, procedures, and reports. 
• Provides support for internal and external auditing of all district accounts for the purpose of maintaining proper state and federal compliance relating to financial accountability for all district funds.
• Assist Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations with interpretation and administration of accounting, budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable, investigate discrepancies and correct errors.
• Assist Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations with monitoring business office financial transactions and journal vouchers for accuracy in all funds.
• Recommend policies and procedures pertaining to fiscal compliance and provide training and support to business office personnel related to fiscal matters.
• Provide data and analysis for collective bargaining including discussions regarding all financial aspects of the collective bargaining process when needed.
• Develop and maintain systems for internal controls. Auditing of payroll information received from buildings and departments to ensure ongoing accuracy. Manage the time-worked and leave records and a variety of payroll deduction programs; ensure assignments of proper account numbers to pay benefits. 
• Provide technical training and development opportunities to payroll staff to increase effectiveness and efficiency. 
• Recommend new policies or revisions to policies, procedures, and standards for the payroll and benefits department to ensure strict fiduciary standards. 
• Prepare reports, filing, correspondence and other written material (e.g., monthly payroll reports, transmittal memos, W-2’s, 941 tax filing, 1095’s etc.) for the purpose of providing written reference and/or complying with district, state and federal requirements. 
• Coordinate all aspects of employee-related benefits, such as State Retirement, FLEX, COBRA, VEBA, FMLA and PFML, and coordinate annual Benefits Fair, manage eligibility, balance and remit vendor payments, and ensure accurate coding within payroll system (WESPaC).
• Coordinate unemployment claim responses and manage compliance with garnishments, including child support enforcement. 
• Collaborates with the Human Resources Department on employee assignments, leaves, position changes, and other employment actions to ensure accuracy and compliance in payroll and accounting.
• Interpret negotiated agreements as to their effect on pay, leaves, deductions, taxation, retirement, and employee benefits; provide information, statistics, and counsel during collective bargaining process and for personnel transactions. 
• Maintain a current knowledge and understanding of regulations governing Washington State retirement systems. 
• Assist with the completion of the year-end fiscal closing and annual audit. Assist auditors as required. 
• Collect and analyze financial data to provide budgetary projections or respond to inquiries and requests. 
• Develop and meet deadlines for projects/reports. Supervise projects independently. 
• Effectively organize, set priorities, and coordinate multiple activities at the same time. 
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial analysis and discussions related to budget preparation. 
• Interact with employees in a positive, calm and courteous manner. 
• Perform accurate arithmetic computations using effective reasoning skills. 
• Work independently, exercise good judgement and maintain confidentiality regarding employee compensation issues. 
• Effectively supervise and evaluate Payroll and Benefits Technician.
• Function effectively as a member of a management team. 
• Skillfully utilize conflict resolution and collaboration tools. 
• Other responsibilities as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

•        High school graduate or GED. WASBO Accounting I, II, and III or School Business Specialist Certification preferred.
•        Experience with the Skyward/WSIPC fiscal system.
•        Prefer prior experience working with payroll and supervising payroll staff.
•        Knowledge of Washington State school accounting practices is desired.
•        Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
•        Ability to contribute to the writing of reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
•        Ability to meet deadlines and work with frequent interruptions.
•        Ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators and district staff.
•        Knowledge of administrative and clerical practices and procedures.
•        Knowledge and experience of relevant software applications – spreadsheets, word processing, and database management.
•        Strong interpersonal and public relations skills.
•        Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
•        Fingerprinting, if required, paid by applicant.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Physical demands may require prolonged standing, sitting, walking, verbal and written communications, hearing, lifting, exposure to student-carried diseases, and noise levels.  
• Mental demands include organizational skills, concentration, frequent interruptions, accurate detailed record keeping, creativity, adaptability, working independently, yet as a team member, self-discipline in behavior and attitude, decision making, and dealing with distraught/angry/hostile individuals.
• Indoor and outdoor environment; regular exposure to fumes, dust, and odors.
• Maintain consistent presence at assigned worksite and regularly work hours specified under contract.