Jenison Public Schools

Job Posting

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Job Title:Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Location:Jenison Public Schools – Central Office Administration

Salary Range:$21.10 - $28.14 (commensurate with experience)

Date Posted:September 21, 2015

Application Deadline:September 25, 2015

Terms of Employment:52 weeks/year, 5 days/week, 8 hours/day

Application Process:A completed online application is REQUIRED.

(see application instructions at

Job Description

Position Opportunity:

Under the general direction of the Supervisor of Accounting Services and in compliance with established policies, procedures and practices, assist with coordination and processing of payroll and fringe benefits for Jenison Public School District.

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent. Associates degree in business or accounting is preferred.
  • Five or more years of payroll and/or employee benefits work experience. School experience is preferred.
  • Knowledge and understanding of local, state and federal regulations impacting the payroll and employee benefits function including, but not limited to, wage and hour laws, workers’ compensation, family and medical leave, and the like.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to provide courteous and accurate information to all levels of staff, students, parents, community and state agencies, vendors and others. The incumbent is required to handle problem situations in a tactful, courteous and respectful manner.
  • Written and computer skills necessary for the creation and compilation of various documents, communications and reports. The incumbent is required to effectively utilize a variety of software applications which may include but is not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphic design and database software applications. Advanced report writing and spreadsheet skills required.
  • Accounting skills necessary to work with an integrated financial accounting system with the specific understanding of the effects of transactions and their impact on the financial records.
  • Analytical ability to evaluate information and situations to determine the appropriate course of action without supervisor approval.
  • Analytical ability and mathematical aptitude necessary to process transactions and identify and resolve a variety of payroll and benefit issues. Ability to interpret and apply multiple Union bargaining contracts is required.
  • Ability to utilize discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information and documents.
  • Mental ability to adapt and respond to multiple priorities and demands, adapt to interruptions, work on several projects at the same time, work on tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail, and handle pressures related to multiple deadlines.
  • Physical ability to sit for extended periods of time working on a computer and to properly operate required office equipment.

Performance Responsibilities:

  • Assist in developing detailed salary and benefit budgets for district. Ensure salary and benefits are charged to the appropriate accounts. Provides salary and benefit estimates as needed.
  • Assist with EduStaff and AESOP substitute calling system.
  • Review and audit time sheets and payroll and benefits records ensuring compliance with District’s policies and procedures, appropriate labor agreements, and related federal and state laws. Identify, calculate and input appropriate adjustments as necessary. Process payroll, balance and process reports, prepare tax and retirement reports ensuring accuracy and compliance with related laws and regulations.
  • Process and calculate a variety of complex payroll actions including overtime wages, weighted average calculations, workers compensation claims, and salary calculations.
  • Process remittances to appropriate agencies for funds withheld from paychecks including benefit and payroll taxes, which will be balanced to appropriate reports.
  • Prepare, and/or extract from the payroll system, various reports and information as necessary to meet internal and external requirements including pay withholding and sales tax filings, 941’s, W-2’s, and retirement reports.
  • Complete the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) submission and balancing.
  • Apply and maintain documentation related to the payroll software, payroll processing, time entry, benefits and salary/benefit budgeting.
  • Assist with training sessions including preparation and distribution of written procedures for payroll, absence reporting and salary/benefit budgeting.
  • Process and maintain leave records according to established guidelines.
  • Maintain/regulate all deduction master information including withholding orders, assessment/application of the correct mandatory MPSERS deduction plan. Maintain year-end changes such as tax tables and tax shelter investment options and calculates correct deductions related to insurance vendor and benefit plan.
  • Assist in preparing annual contracts, Schedule B contracts, wage memos, new hire information and employee status changes.
  • Assist in the evaluation, design, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of systems and procedures to support and improve operational effectiveness.
  • Prepare open enrollment submission for each employee. Process benefit invoices. Assist in accounting for health reimbursement accounts.
  • Assist in the preparation of adjusting, correcting, and year-end accrual journal entries for payroll and benefits activity and substitute calling system accounts, as necessary.
  • Prepare audit schedules/documents, provide information and assist auditors as needed.
  • Prepare worker’s compensation salary estimates and final audit for district.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Preceding data is intended to convey information essential to job function and are not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with it.

Notice of Non-discrimination:

It is the policy of Jenison Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category in its programs, services or activities. For inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies contact the Superintendent’s Office, 8375 20th Avenue, Jenison MI 49428. (616)457-8890.