Payroll Supervisor
Pendergast Elementary School District • Phoenix, Arizona • Full Time
Posted on Fri, Jun 26, 2026
PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Payroll Supervisor
EXEMPT: Yes
SALARY LEVEL: Support Exempt Salary Schedule
LOCATION: Financial Services
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12-Month
REPORTS TO: Chief Finance Officer
SUMMARY: The Payroll Supervisor plans, organizes, and oversees district payroll operations to ensure the accurate and timely payment of employees, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, maintenance of payroll records, and proper allocation of payroll expenditures across district funds and programs. The position collaborates with Talent Management, Finance, and department administrators to ensure the integrity of employee and payroll data, support enterprise business processes, resolve complex payroll issues, and promote efficient and effective district operations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3 years of job-related experience in a public school setting with increasing levels of responsibility or a post-secondary degree
- Knowledge of accounting rules, regulations, policies and procedures that is reflective of the financial services industry.
- Proven, solid Excel skills and exposure to automated payroll / accounting systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA degree, in job-related area
- 5 years of experience in accounting functions in a public school setting
- School Business Office experience with targeted job-related education that meets organizations requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintains various payroll information (e.g. pay rates and records, leave records, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate distribution of funds and payroll
- Prepares various reports for the purpose of written support and/or conveying information (e.g. all quarterly reports; federal, state, DES, Workers’ Comp., Social Security)
- Prepares yearly W-2’s and distributes them to all employees
- Process payroll information (e.g. automated time keeping systems, time sheets, withholding information, etc.) for the purpose of updating information and/or authorizing timely payment
- Reconciles account balances (e.g. labor distribution, absence reporting systems/automated time keeping systems/time sheets, leave, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining accurate account balances and distribution of funds
- Researches discrepancies of financial inflation and/or documentation (e.g. time sheets, leave time, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedures prior to processing
- Responds to written and verbal inquires (e.g. teachers, substitutes, government agencies, and/or staff) for the purpose of providing information and/or direction as may be required
- Supervises the overall activities of the payroll department for the purpose of ensuring efficient operation
- Resolves payroll issues; assists employees with changes and questions
- Supervises all Tax Levies, Arizona State Retirement Buyback, Payroll Garnishments,
- Is responsible for running all reports as required for Superintendent and the Chief Financial Officer
- Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
- Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: planning and organizing projects; operating standard office equipment.
Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex multi-step oral and written instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.
Ability is required to schedule activities; routinely gather, collate and/or classify data; and use basic job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances, work with data utilizing defined but different processes, and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with job-related data; and utilize specific job-related equipment. In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working under time constraints; being attentive to detail; maintaining detailed records; and meeting deadlines and schedules.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibilities include: working independently with little or no supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of significant resources from other work units is sometimes required to perform the job’s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the Organization’s services. Supervises payroll staff.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant fine-finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking and 5% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, a generally hazard-free environment and in a clean atmosphere.