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Job Description
Deadline:
June 10, 2026
District/Organization:
Newaygo Public Schools Position/Type:
Other, full time
Position Details Job Posting:
Payroll & Accounts Payable Specialist District:
Newaygo Public Schools Position Type:
Full-Time Reports To:
Business Manager Compensation:
Full Time Hourly $21-24.00/hr.
Date Posted:
May 29, 2026
Application Deadline:
June 10, 2026 Position Summary Newaygo Public Schools is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative Payroll & Accounts Payable Specialist . This dual-focus role is critical to the district's financial operations, managing the end-to-end processing of payroll and vendor payments, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and supporting the Business Department. The ideal candidate possesses strong supervisory skills, a deep understanding of fund accounting, and the ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
Qualifications & Requirements Education:
Associate's degree preferred.
Experience:
3-5 years of school payroll experience preferred; fund accounting and/or public school district experience highly desirable.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency with school finance software (Linq), data entry, and spreadsheet applications.
Core Competencies:
Proven track record of strict accuracy and meticulous attention to detail. Ability to work with confidential and highly sensitive information. Excellent customer service and communication skills; ability to interact positively with all personnel and resolve issues effectively. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a multitude of responsibilities, meet tight deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
Assume ultimate responsibility for the overall accuracy, timeliness, and completion of the district's payroll, including the transmission of payments and data files.
Wage Calculations:
Calculate and verify the accuracy of wages, including mid-year reassignments, retroactive pay adjustments, and other payroll corrections.
Regulatory Compliance:
Maintain a deep understanding of federal/state withholding requirements, labor contracts, IRS regulations, and Office of Retirement Services (ORS) rules.
Reporting & Reconciliation:
Ensure timely completion of payroll reporting (W-2s, unemployment costs, payroll tax returns, and ORS reports). Reconcile payroll-related liability accounts with the Business Manager.
Retirement & Benefits:
Monitor and administer employee contributions to TSAs/457s, ensuring compliance with maximum contribution limits.
Data Maintenance:
Manage payroll files, including calendar and fiscal year-end balances, payroll tax tables, and appropriate record retention. Publish annual payroll calendars for all employee groups.
Department Collaboration:
Work closely with Building Secretaries and Administration to streamline payroll workflows.
Enter recurring invoices (e.g., EduStaff, utilities, food service suppliers, and purchase cards).
Payment Execution:
Perform weekly check runs and process EFT payments for utilities, suppliers, and district vendors. Monitor payments for unorthodox, unallowable, or inconsistent practices.
Cash Management & Deposits:
Organize and enter building deposits into the finance system
Procurement Support:
Process Purchase Orders (POs) and serve as the primary district contact for major vendors (Amazon, School Specialty, Staples, etc.).
Operations Support District Support & Training:
Provide training, support, and clear communication to district employees on purchasing, deposits, mileage, and conference forms.
Administrative Tasks:
Prepare correspondence (letters, memos, emails, reports), produce AP/AR-related journal entries, manage breakroom/supply closet inventory, and file property tax forms as required.
Red Rover Management:
Set up new teacher accounts in Red Rover and work with building secretaries to monitor attendance
Audit & Strategy Support:
Provide necessary reports to administration and auditors. Assist the Business Manager with year-end audit schedules, chart of accounts maintenance (REP reporting), accounting policies, and internal controls.
Cross-Training:
Maintain the ability to provide short-term assistance to other finance areas during peak periods to ensure continuous departmental operations.
Background Checks:
Run routine I-CHATs for
Volunteers/Chaperones Other Duties:
Perform other duties as assigned by the Business Manager. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references via email to Mr. Ben Gilpin, bgilpin@newaygo.net Newaygo Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
