Accounting/Payroll Specialist

ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment. 

Purpose Statement

The job of Accounting/Payroll Specialist is performed for the purpose of supporting the efficient and compliant operation of the Business Services Department through a combination of technical accounting, payroll, and benefits administration tasks. This position is responsible for processing payroll, administering employee benefits, and providing accounting and analytical support to ensure accurate and timely financial operations.

Work is performed independently under minimal supervision in accordance with federal and state laws, district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and established procedures. The position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple financial functions. Duties may vary depending on department needs and will be assigned by the department administrator.

Essential Functions:

• Processes payroll including regular, retroactive, and final pay assignments, contract closures, leave cash-outs, and stop payments to ensure accurate and timely wage payments to employees and vendors.
• Audits payroll and benefits documents (e.g., time cards, leave records, personnel action forms, benefit enrollment, vendor disbursements) to ensure accuracy and compliance with district policy, CBAs, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinates payroll processing with Human Resources and other departments for accurate implementation of new hires, separations, assignment changes, leave programs (FMLA, PFML), and Workers’ Compensation.
• Monitors and maintains payroll and benefits records (e.g., deductions, benefit eligibility, SEBB, DRS, ACA, WA Cares, wage garnishments) for regulatory compliance and proper reporting.
• Prepares payroll-related reports and documents (e.g., W-2s, retirement plan transfers, overpayment invoices, payroll registers, compensation checks) to document activities and meet reporting requirements.
• Communicates with internal staff and external agencies (e.g., DRS, SEBB) to process payroll and benefits transactions and resolve issues.
• Provides benefits information to new and existing employees and acts as a liaison with state agencies to support eligibility and enrollment.
• Reconciles and troubleshoots payroll and benefit discrepancies to ensure accurate account balances and compliance with policy.

• Processes accounts payable and/or receivable transactions (e.g., vendor payments, employee reimbursements) to comply with district, state, and federal laws.
• Reconciles financial data and records (e.g., fund balances, payroll expenditures, benefit contributions) to maintain accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Researches discrepancies in financial documentation to ensure accuracy before processing transactions.
• Prepares a wide range of financial documents and reports (e.g., fund reports, County Treasurer's reports) to support audits, state reporting, and internal tracking.
• Maintains district financial records and files (e.g., cash transactions, vouchers, grant records, petty cash, impress funds) in accordance with audit and retention requirements.

Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g. prepares formal bids and quotes, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying pertinent codes, rules and regulations; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and performing accounting procedures (word, excel, outlook, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting/bookkeeping principles; and computer skills.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; and working with detailed information/data.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; supervising the use of funds. Utilization of resources from other work units is

often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Education (Preferred): Associate degree in Accounting or Business is preferred.

Education (Minimum): Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area.

Required Testing                                                                                                         

Calculation Test

Certificates and Licenses

Valid Washington State Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability

Continuing Educ./Training                                                                   

None Specified

Clearances

Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint

Background Clearance

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application (with supporting documents)

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, please visit SEBB and SEBB Enrollment Guide or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at (360) 874-7028 or payrollstaff@skschools.org.

Application Procedure:  Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application and required District Testing (if applicable-see job posting when applying) must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or skjobs@skschools.org.

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.
The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:
Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Eric Nerison

Executive Director of Student Support

2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366 

360-443-7062

nerison@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Monica Zuber,
Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
zuber@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.