Payroll Manager - Newton, United States - Newton Public Schools

Description

Department:
Business, Finance &

Planning Job Title:

Payroll Manager FLSA Status:
(Exempt/Non-exempt)

Exempt; Non-Aligned Reports to:

Assistant Superintendent/Chief Financial & Administrative Officer In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants.

All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Summary:

The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing/administering and running the payroll systems for the entire district within the Business, Finance and Planning Department.

The Payroll Manager is the day to day manager for the district's payroll system using MUNIS with a goal of accurate, timely and efficient payroll processes, staff benefits and compensation.

This is a highly technical position requiring an overall knowledge of payroll, financial analysis, accounting and payroll procedures.


Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:
Payroll experience required managing / administering automated payroll systems. Proficiency in use of financial software systems, Excel, and other applicable software Strong managerial and interpersonal skills Excellent communication skills; able to effectively convey thoughts and ideas with clarity; Ability to think analytically and to handle complex data manipulation; Strong organizational skills; able to successfully manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines; Ability to create and manage positive stakeholder relationships and support a positive department and district culture

Undergraduate degree in public administration, finance, business management or other related field.

Preferred experience shall include five or more years of successful progressive related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, ability and skills.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:
Thorough knowledge of the organization and operations of school systems. Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing school districts in Massachusetts. Thorough knowledge of the operations of local government including taxation and other sources of revenue. Considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the profession. Knowledge of funding sources and mechanisms for public schools. Complete working knowledge of computer applications for financial and budget management. Knowledge of accounting practices and procedures and ability to apply such knowledge to accounting transactions. Knowledge of auditing methods, procedures, and practices.

Ability:
Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and to present findings clearly in written and oral form. Ability to gather financial information using information technology, and to run complicated computer generated reports. Ability to work in a team environment in order to complete projects on schedule and accurately. Ability to organize work flow and coordinate activities. Ability to make oral presentations before large or small audiences. Ability to research data and to compile narratives or reports from information gathered. Ability to establish and maintain complex financial record keeping systems. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions, often under considerable time pressure. Ability to recognize district-wide priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment.

Skill:

Skill in operating computers and utilizing appropriate software applications; spreadsheets, database, word processing, financial applications, graphics, presentation software and statistical applications.

Aptitude for numbers and details. Skill in grant analysis. Excellent organizational skills. Training skills. Skill in all of the above listed tools and equipment. Pays employees and compiles payroll information by managing payroll preparation; completing reports; maintaining records. Managing Processes, People Management, Data Entry Management, Reporting Skills, Compensation and Wage Structure, Financial Skills, Accounting

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Manages and administers the District payroll function to ensure that staff are paid accurately and in a timely manner;
• Plans and manages payroll-related projects
• Calculates and manages the application of the provisions of collective bargaining agreements and individual employee contracts to district Staffing Plan
• Manages payroll database
• Responsible for running Semi-Monthly and Weekly Payrolls and assigns the work-flow of staff.
• Works with Human Resources office to ensure coordination of all staff transactions including but not limited to payroll, benefits, paid and unpaid time off, hire, termination
• Updates all collective salary tables in MUNIS
• Plans and coordinates and ensures all changes including contractual steps, Lane changes and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are implemented
• Calculates retroactive payroll as needed
• Calculates and/or reviews more complex payroll transactions including but not limited to salary, wage garnishment, state/federal income tax, voluntary deductions (i.e. insurances, 403(b) & 457 plans, pension, paid time off
• Stays current with and interprets district policies and government regulations affecting the payroll process to ensure compliance with policy and state and federal tax agencies
• Maintains current knowledge of all collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts as they apply to payroll and benefits; reviews payroll and benefits transactions to ensure compliance with agreements
• Manages controls to ensure the integrity of the payroll process and compliance with budget and local, state and federal regulations
• Accepts and resolves employee issues and/or questions relative to compensation, benefits and / or related contract issues when payroll staff are unable to reconcile
• Responds as necessary to wage/benefit court subpoenas, insurance affidavits, IRS, MA DOR, support and other wage levies;
• Manages communications with District and City staff regarding payroll and benefits issues and concerns;
• Responds to public information data requests that are specific to payroll;
• Maintains staff salary database for all district staff for integration with and application to the budget and payroll processes
• Determines payroll liabilities by approving the calculation of employee federal and state income and social security taxes, and employer's social security, unemployment, and workers compensation payments.
• Balances the payroll accounts by resolving payroll discrepancies.
• Provides payroll information by answering questions and requests.
• Maintains employee confidence and protects payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Duties as assigned by the School Business Manager.
• Acts as an integral member of the budget development team. Develops the use of complex budget spreadsheets, analysis and development of salary and expense budgets, budget document preparation, and production of the final budget book for the School Committee.
• Develops, maintains and implements innovative spreadsheet and database models to be used in all aspects of the Business, Finance and Planning department as well as other departments as assigned.
• Monitors school costs through the automated financial system. Prepares budget transfers, downloads reports, and monitors school finances and budget accounts.
• Communicates with City and School employees regarding school finances. Assists school employees with their financial functions such as purchasing, budgeting and reporting. Collaborates with City employees on managing the flow of costs through the school system.
• Collaborates on special projects such as development of a new school chart of accounts, implementation of new financial software, redistricting, implementation of new bus pass system, long term forecasting, and others as assigned.
• Performs similar or related work as required.

Supervision:

• Responsibility: Performs varied and highly responsible duties requiring duties requiring the exercise of significant independent judgment and initiative in payroll supervision and operations for the Newton Public Schools. Technical complexity involved in developing a myriad of management reports using advanced spreadsheet models, graphs and charts.
• Supervision: Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Budget, Finance and Planning and Supervises the payroll staff.

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Work is generally performed under typical school department office conditions.
• Makes constant contacts, requiring considerable perceptiveness and discretion with other school and city personnel.
• Has access to school related confidential information such as information about students and payroll deduction data.

Physical Requirements:

• Operates PC-based computer systems, components, and other standard office equipment such as telephone, facsimile machine, and copier.

Salary Range:
$100,000 - $110,000 depending upon experience and generous benefits package