Accountant II - Payroll

Accountant II - Payroll

Position Details

Work Calendar: 242 Day Calendar                                             Starting Wage: $83,450 annually

FTE: 1.0 (40 Hours per week)                                                     Salary Schedule/Lane: 42/D/01

Contract Status: Contract                                                         Benefits: Eligible

FLSA Status: Exempt                                                                Anticipated Start Date: 10/12/2026

Reports To: Director of Finance                                                 Priority Screen Date: 09/09/2026

Positions Available: One Vacancy

JOB SUMMARY

The Accountant II - Payroll has full ownership of the district’s payroll cycle and supervises the activities of the payroll department including developing reporting procedures and internal controls; implementing procedures and processes; ensuring the accuracy of payroll-related data and compliance with district and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines; and monitoring employee performance achieving the department's overall objectives. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

All positions require selected candidates to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a criminal background check.  Additional minimum required qualifications for this position are: 

1. Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years experience in payroll-related area OR 3+ years payroll-related experience with master’s degree 
2. Experience applying accounting principles and pertinent federal, state, and local tax codes, policies, and regulations and/or laws 
3. Experience using electronic payroll software systems to regularly issue pay to 50+ employees 
4. Intermediate level of Microsoft Office Suite Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) 
5. Speak, read, write, and present professionally, analyze, and interpret English written and verbal communications 
6. Ability to operate standard office equipment; phone, copy machines, etc. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

These are examples of skills and experience that the best-qualified candidates may have.  Not having one or all of them does not disqualify any candidate from consideration.

1. CPA certification or CPA candidate 
2. Experience using Business Plus 
3. Experience working in K-12 education, or other government entity  
4. Experience using UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) for processing payroll 
5. Experience using Microsoft Access 
6. Experience supervising two or more staff 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Consistently and reliability processes payroll checks and associated withholdings to pay employees, taxes, withholdings, garnishments, and vendors; collaborate with Human Resources Services to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing 
2. Authorize supplemental payroll checks to meet special compensation requirements and resolve payroll errors in a timely manner 
3. Understand contract pay and correctly calculate pay for incoming and outgoing employees and other contract variance circumstances 
4. Collect and analyze research material and data (e.g., financial information, state and federal mandates, etc.) to evaluate, make recommendations, and report on the effectiveness of financial, budgetary, receipts, revenue, and payroll accounting 
5. Implement reporting procedures and internal controls to maintain accurate records and comply with standard accounting practices, district policies, and other regulatory requirements; monitor and implement changes in payroll laws and regulations to ensure compliance 
6. Inform a variety of district stakeholders (e.g. personnel, vendors, administrators, etc.) and provide necessary information for completing transactions and procedures, taking appropriate actions, and complying with established fiscal guidelines 
7. Monitor a variety of financial activity, ensuring that allocations are accurate and fiscal practices are followed 
8. Attend department and district meetings, workshops and seminars as needed to support payroll and department functions 
9. Maintain a wide variety of documents, files, and records (e.g. accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, contracts, etc.) and prepare written materials (e.g. reports, W-2, 941, memos, letters, procedures, manuals etc.) to provide an up-to-date reference, documentation of activities, ensure compliance, and provide written reference and/or conveying information and an audit trail 
10. Assist auditors by providing required information and coordinating necessary project activities 
11. Reconcile related general ledger payroll accounts and prepare journal entries as needed to ensure that all contributions and deductions are properly recorded and remitted; analyze, summarize, interpret, and review data to make appropriate recommendations 
12. Research discrepancies of payroll information and/or documentation to ensure accuracy and implement corrective measures, as necessary 
13. Train payroll personnel to provide information on proper operation of electronic systems and other payroll related topics 
14. Transfer funds electronically through the bank to pay federal income, FICA, and Medicare taxes 
15. Present information on a variety of topics to communicate information, gain feedback and ensure adherence to established internal controls 
16. Provide technical expertise and direction (e.g. internal processes, accounting procedures, etc.) to convey pertinent information to appropriate parties 
17. Respond to a variety of inquiries (e.g. staff, administration, vendors, etc.) to provide information, direction, and referral for addressing inquiries 
18. Supervise and provide leadership and guidance to assigned personnel, including workload assignments, training, evaluations, performance management, monitoring of quality and quantity of work, scheduling time off, providing technical assistance and training, coaching, employee relations, time approval, etc.  ensuring accurate, timely, and smooth completion of department responsibilities and goals; and to enhance personnel productivity and achieving objectives within budget 
19. Support a team environment by collaborating with own and other work units to effectively perform the duties of the position 
20. Communicate effectively with diverse individuals while maintaining confidentiality and building positive working relationships with employees and stakeholders 
21. Adapt to changing work priorities and work with frequent interruptions, as required 
22. Work under limited supervision, utilizing time management and prioritization strategies, accurately processing detailed information and meeting deadlines 
23. Speak, read, write, analyze, understand, and follow written and verbal communication in English including grammar and punctuation; listen to, and understand information and ideas presented verbally or in writing 
24. Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements efficiently and effectively 
25. As needed, roll, push, pull, bend, reach, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds 
26. Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit 

EMPLOYEE SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Accountant II Physical Demands Form

The Salt Lake City School District is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and its services, programs, and activities.  To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resource Services – Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org) or call 801-578-8340.

Non-Discrimination Statement

No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code, including scouting groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Tina Hatch, Compliance and Investigations/Title IX Coordinator, 406 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 578-8340 You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.