Payroll Specialist

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Metro Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

Job Overview:

The Payroll Specialist will manage the end-to-end payroll process and related systems for KIPP Atlanta Schools. Reporting to the Controller, the Payroll Specialist will support with the running of payroll and benefits functions for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools more than 800 employees across 9 sites.  The Payroll Specialist will ensure compliance with federal regulations, state regulations, and company policy.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage semi-monthly payroll process for over 800 employees (non-exempt and exempt) at 9 sites using PayCom, the organization’s HRIS and payroll platform, including managing payroll systems, complex processes to solve for a lack of systems integration and designing a path toward integration to fill gaps

• Design and conducting management training regarding all payroll systems/process and time/attendance

• Create payroll budget and forecast by monitoring staffing changes from various disparate teams and sources, and maintaining data in Vena budgeting system, accounting for more than 70% of the overall budget

• Build complex payroll and HRIS reports for integration with state systems that are the basis upon which the organization receives 90%+ of its revenue and are compliance requirements for the ongoing approval of the organization’s charter

• Create process by which personnel expenses are integrated with the organization’s accounting and budgeting platforms so that organization leaders can accurately manage its largest expenses

• Manage the billing and reconciliation process for all benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and pension systems

• Audit the time and attendance system and manage system users to ensure hourly employee time is accurately entered and verified

• Verifies payroll correctness, ensuring payroll is on-time and accurate

• Process additional payrolls elements such as bonuses and stipends, garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, quarterly tax verifications, third party sick pay and worker compensation reports

• Prepare and send all communications regarding payroll

• Authors process documentation for sustainability

• Process required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record keeping and proper deductions

• Process monthly billings from insurance providers

• Review billings for accuracy, codes and advances for payment.

• Audits all benefit bills for accuracy

• Build capacity in direct reports through comprehensive development including the establishment of performance goals, regular check-ins, observations, timely feedback and professional development opportunities

• Held accountable to performance goals and metrics identified through organizational planning and as part of the day-to-day duties

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum 5 years experience with 3 years payroll administration experience

• Experience using PayCom or equivalent HRIS systems

• Strong communication skills with impeccable detail orientation

• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions; ability to manage both the big picture and the details; a strong sense of judgment; ability to navigate complex legal, political, and community issues

• Track record of leading successful change management across multiple entities

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions, an ability to manage both the big picture and the details, a strong sense of judgment, and the ability to navigate complex legal, political, and community issues

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities, multi-task, work in a fast-paced demanding environment, operate effectively with ambiguity

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality while working with sensitive key decisions that impact multiple stakeholder groups across the organization

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $75,000 and $125,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications.  

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability

• Paid Parental Leave 

• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

Requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools and able to attend in-person meetings and events.  Additional in-person time may be necessary based on organizational needs. This position also requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments. This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Statement of Nondiscrimination:

KIPP Atlanta Schools provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.