Find & Apply For Payroll Specialist Jobs in Morganton, North Carolina

Payroll Specialist

Burke County Schools

Central Office - Morganton, North Carolina This job is also posted in Burke County Schools , and North Carolina School Jobs

Job Details

Job ID:

5940543

Application Deadline:

Oct 02, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted:

Sep 25, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

Dec 1, 2026

Job Description

PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Department:

Finance

Position:

Payroll Specialist

Reports To:

Payroll Manager / Finance Director

Effective Date:

December 1, 2026

POSITION PURPOSE

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for performing specialized payroll functions to support the

accurate and timely processing of payroll for Burke County Public Schools. The position reviews

payroll information submitted by schools and departments, processes payroll transactions and

adjustments, reconciles and remits employee deductions, and assists employees and school

bookkeepers with payroll-related questions.

The Payroll Specialist must maintain a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organization,

and attention to detail while ensuring payroll transactions are processed in accordance with

applicable federal and state requirements, Board policies, and district procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

? Review payroll information submitted by schools and departments for completeness and

accuracy.

? Identify discrepancies and make appropriate payroll and time adjustments as needed.

? Process monthly payrolls accurately and within established deadlines.

? Review and finalize payroll groups as part of the payroll processing cycle.

? Process information and calculate payments related to bonuses, supplements, longevity,

retirement, and termination payouts.

? Enter and maintain monthly amounts associated with various payroll deductions

? Balance employee payroll deductions and remit payments to applicable agencies and

vendors, including dental, vision, Colonial, garnishments, supplemental retirement, and

other authorized deductions.

? Prepare and submit required Employment Security Commission reports, Medicaid

Administrative Cost reports, and other detailed financial reports to authorized agencies.

? Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with

applicable requirements and district procedures.

? Assist school bookkeepers with payroll procedures, questions, corrections, and problem

resolution.

? Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, deductions, payments, and other

payroll-related matters in a professional and timely manner.

? Research payroll discrepancies and work with appropriate staff to resolve issues.

? Maintain the confidentiality of employee payroll, financial, and personally identifiable

information.

? Assist the Payroll Manager and Finance Department with payroll-related projects,

reconciliations, reporting, and year-end activities as needed.

? Maintain knowledge of applicable payroll procedures, regulations, state and federal laws,

district policies and procedures, and system requirements.

? Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Payroll Manager or Finance

Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

? Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Drive applications, with

particular proficiency in spreadsheets and worded documents.

? Knowledge of general payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, and financial recordkeeping

practices.

? Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple

responsibilities and meet established deadlines.

? Self-motivated and able to work independently while functioning effectively as part of the

Finance Department team.

? Ability to perform complex arithmetic computations accurately and efficiently.

? Ability to understand, interpret, and apply procedures, rules, regulations, and policies

governing payroll and fiscal transactions.

? Ability to review detailed financial and payroll information, identify discrepancies, and

make appropriate corrections.

? Ability to complete complex and repetitive tasks while maintaining a high level of

accuracy and attention to detail.

? Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive employee, payroll, and

financial information.

? Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and concisely in both oral and written

form.

? Ability to explain payroll procedures and resolve questions in a professional and

customer-service-oriented manner.

? Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school

administrators, bookkeepers, employees, Finance Department staff, vendors, and

outside agencies.

? Ability to work effectively under established deadlines, particularly during payroll

processing periods.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

? Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field

preferred.

? Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, finance, accounting,

bookkeeping, or a related field preferred.

? Experience processing payroll in a governmental, educational, or similarly complex

organization is preferred.

? Experience working with automated payroll, financial, or human resources information

systems is preferred.

? Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the

knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be

considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

? Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with the

requirements of the State of North Carolina.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Environment

The employee must be able to use a variety of standard office equipment, including computers,

scanners, copiers, calculators, and telephones. The position requires the ability to communicate

effectively both verbally and in writing. The employee must occasionally be able to lift, carry,

push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to thirty (30) pounds.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment. The employee will have

regular contact with district administrators, school administrators, bookkeepers, school system

employees, Finance and Human Resources staff, vendors, representatives of outside agencies,

and members of the community.

The position requires the ability to work accurately and efficiently under time-sensitive payroll

deadlines and may periodically require additional work during peak payroll, fiscal year-end,

calendar year-end, or other critical processing periods.

EFFECTIVE DATE

12/01/2026

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities

assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive

inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of employees assigned to

this position. This job description may be revised by the supervisor, with Human Resources

review and approval, at any time.

Position Type:

Full-Time