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Job Description
Accounting and Payroll Specialist
Northwest Education Services
Elk Rapids Schools - Elk Rapids, Michigan This job is also posted in Northwest Education Services
Job Details
Job ID:
5791869
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Immediately
Job Description
Please apply directly to Elk Rapids Public Schools
TITLE:
Accounting and Payroll Specialist
REPORTS TO
Superintendent
JOB FUNCTION
Provide payroll, accounting, and financial support for Elk Rapids
Schools.
TERMS OF
EMPLOYMENT:
Three-Year Contract (Start July 2026)
DISTRICT DESCRIPTION
Elk Rapids Schools has approximately 975 students in grades K-12 and is
located in the northwest lower peninsula of Michigan. The District also serves as an authorizer of Mill Creek
Academy, a K-5th-grade District that educates approximately 230 students. Elk Rapids Schools is an
education leader within the Northwest Education Services Intermediate School District and is eager to
interview the best candidates for this vacancy.
Elk Rapids Schools is seeking a motivated, passionate, engaged, and dedicated Accounting & Payroll Specialist
to make a difference in our community and district. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful
impact on the lives of students and staff by supporting and leading our Business Office. The ideal candidate will
commit to educational excellence, have leadership experience, and have a broad range of knowledge and skills
in school finance, budgeting, and accounting.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Position Summary:
This position provides payroll, accounting, and financial support services for Elk Rapids
Schools. This role is responsible for processing payroll and maintaining employee records while ensuring
compliance with all applicable state, federal, and tax regulations. This position also supports the district's
financial operations through basic accounting duties, including entering cash receipts and preparing journal
entries as needed. This position also supports the district's audit preparation and customer service to vendors
and internal departments. This role helps ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll and financial
data while maintaining documentation and workflows within the district's payroll and document management
systems. In addition, this role also oversees employee insurance programs for all employee groups throughout
the district. Including health insurance administration, enrollments, terminations, ACA, HSA's, and flex
spending accounts.
Specific Duties:
? Review and process bi-weekly payroll, including verifying timesheets, salary adjustments, retroactive
pay, and other payroll-related transactions.
? Maintain employee payroll files, records, and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy,
confidentiality, and compliance with record retention requirements.
? Process payroll liabilities and payments, including federal and state taxes, retirement contributions,
garnishments, child support orders, annuities, insurance premiums, and other authorized deductions.
? Prepare, file, and submit required payroll tax reports and regulatory filings, including monthly
withholding tax returns, quarterly Form 941 reports, Medicaid financial reports, and other required state
and federal filings.
? Prepare and distribute annual W-2 forms and ensure compliance with all year-end federal and state
reporting requirements.
? Process and submit retirement-related documentation, including Final Salary Affidavits and required
reporting to the Office of Retirement Services (ORS).
? Assist auditors by providing payroll records, reports, supporting documentation, and other requested
financial information.
? Assist with Unemployment Insurance Administration (UIA) claims, documentation, and related
correspondence.
? Respond to vendor and employee inquiries, resolve discrepancies, and maintain positive working
relationships with internal and external stakeholders
? Assist with budget monitoring, purchase order processing, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting
activities.
? Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES
? Advanced interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain internal and external
relationships. Assesses and diffuses problems and uses tact to handle difficult situations.
? Possesses a broad knowledge of functional area position-specific systems and procedures as
identified in the position description. Has a basic understanding of school standards, related
governing laws, and other knowledge required to complete work activities.
? Knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, Google
Suite, and Excel.
? Ability to function with keen attention to detail.
? Ability to organize and manage several priorities simultaneously while working under pressure
and deadlines.
? Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
? Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
? Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
? Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective professional boundaries with staff,
students, and customers.
? Maintain the highest level of confidentiality for all records of the district that are placed under
their jurisdiction.
? Demonstrated ability to adhere to Board and building policies and procedures.
? Ability to be on the job regularly and have a positive attendance record.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education - This position requires knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through an
Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business management, or a related area; and/or equivalent
combination of education and experience. School Payroll Specialist Certification (MSBO) or ability to obtain
certification is required.
Experience - This position requires a minimum of one to three years of related experience in a payroll and/or
related accounting field.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, current resume, and transcripts via Unified Talent by going to the
Elk Rapids Schools website: www.erschools.com. On the main page, select "District" and then "Employment
Opportunities." Applicants may also submit hard copies by mail or email to:
Kortni Huron, Executive Assistant
308 Meguzee Point Road
Elk Rapids, MI 49629
khuron@erschools.com
