Payroll Specialist I - Center for Education Services

Payroll Specialist I

• Location: Center for Education Services
• Compensation: Grade 9 with a starting hourly rate of $22.88. Potential future earnings for this position on the ESP Salary Scale are $22.88 - $41.38
• Schedule: 8 Hours/Day
• Work Year: 12-Month
• Reports To: Senior Accountant - Payroll Supervisor

• Benefits: Employee Benefits Summary

• Role Overview: This position provides payroll support to ensure employees of Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) are paid accurately and on time in accordance with federal and state laws, Board policies, negotiated agreements, and established payroll records.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Must hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years experience in payroll, accounting, finance, or a related field with payroll responsibilities.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Knowledge of payroll principles, accounting practices, and governmental payroll requirements.
  • Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and retirement reporting requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and payroll software applications.
  • Ability to accurately interpret and apply payroll policies, procedures, negotiated agreements, and applicable laws.
  • Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and personnel information.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple assignments, and meet strict payroll deadlines.
  • Ability to work extended days and non-workdays to meet deadlines.
• Attendance: Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Accommodations: Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of direct payroll processing experience.
• Experience with UKG (Kronos), Tyler Munis, or comparable enterprise payroll and financial systems.
• Experience processing payroll for multiple employee groups, bargaining units, or work calendars.

Role Responsibilities:

• Payroll Processing
  • Process payroll accurately and timely in accordance with established payroll schedules and deadlines.
  • Review, verify, and process payroll transactions including time records, leave, additional compensation, substitute pay, stipends, and supplemental earnings.
  • Audit payroll information to identify discrepancies and ensure payroll accuracy prior to processing.
  • Assist with special payrolls, manual checks, off-cycle payments, and payroll adjustments.
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll laws, IRS regulations, Maryland retirement requirements, negotiated agreements, and Board policies.
  • Process and maintain payroll deductions including taxes, retirement contributions, insurance benefits, flexible spending accounts, wage garnishments, levies, child support, association dues, and other authorized deductions.
  • Maintain accurate payroll records in accordance with applicable record retention requirements.
• Payroll Systems
  • Enter, maintain, and audit payroll data within payroll and financial management systems.
  • Assist with payroll system testing, upgrades, software enhancements, and implementation of negotiated agreement changes.
  • Import, validate, and reconcile payroll information from third-party systems.
• Customer Service
  • Respond professionally and promptly to payroll-related questions from employees, supervisors, schools, and departments.
  • Work collaboratively with Human Resources, Benefits, Accounting, school administrators, and other departments to resolve payroll issues.
• Team Support
  • Cross-train in all payroll functions to provide operational support and continuity.
  • Assist with departmental projects, audits, reconciliations, and special assignments.
  • Participate in professional development to remain current on payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate a courteous and professional demeanor to all stakeholders of Washington County Public Schools.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Environmental Factors & Physical/Mental Requirements: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions listed below.

• Mobility: Work is primarily performed in an office environment.  Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a computer and other office equipment.  Ability to move throughout the office and building as needed.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively using sight, hearing, speech, and reading to effectively communicate and interact with others.
• Stress Management: Ability to maintain emotional composure and professionalism while managing multiple priorities and interruptions.
• Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport materials weighing up to 20 lbs. on a regular basis.

  • Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop, reach, walk stairs, and climb as necessary.

• Working Conditions: May be exposed to frequent interruptions, moderate noise levels, and a fast-paced office environment.