Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist North Middlesex Regional School District North Middlesex Regional School District - Townsend, Massachusetts Job Details

Job ID:

5676358

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Apr 28, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

Immediately Job Description

Position Purpose:

This role performs a wide range of complex administrative and clerical duties related to the payroll and benefits operations of the School District. This role administers and coordinates payroll processing, the payroll database, and related reports as necessary for employees and retirees. performs all other related work as required.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below and on attachments are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) Responsible for the payroll processing and associated operation for approximately 550 employees. Receives, reviews, confirms eligibility and processes all payrolls submitted from each of the eight schools pertaining to paid leave time and substitute hours to be tracked and paid at appropriate rates. Provides training and support to the secretaries and administrative team as needed. Receives, reviews for compliance, interprets contracts, organizes and processes payroll for all new hires, terminations, leaves of absences, insurance deductions, retirement plan eligibility and enrollments, status and tax changes. Ensures all contractual obligations are entered and processed within the payroll system to produce checks for hours stipends, retros, longevities, second jobs, overtime hours and calculates blended rates according to the Department of Labor and district regulations. Maintains the Affordable Care Act (ACA) database, including producing and distribution of the 1095 C Forms. Proofs and makes necessary adjustments producing approximately 550 payouts on a biweekly basis. Closes, posts and submits journal entries to the general ledger. Generates and prints all payroll vendor and employee checks internally, then distributes. Reports new hires to the state as required by law. Maintains employee files providing back-up documentation for clean audit trails. Reconciles, produces, exports and submits accurate data deduction files to government agencies such as MTRS, Middlesex County, Commonwealth of MA withholding and unemployment files as well as the 403 and FSA plans. Calculates, reconciles and submits payments for all other deductions such as union dues and garnishments. Reconciles and uploads all ACH deposits for all employees with direct deposits of their pay and check files to the bank in a timely manner. Balances and prepares payroll funding figures to the Treasurer for transfers; prepares and reconciles payroll warrants for school committee approvals. Completes and provides backup documentation for all retirement applications, service buy-back applications for MTRS and Middlesex County; enrolls and terminates staff in the correct retirement system; updates status changes into the appropriate retirement system. Back-up support for calculation and distributing retiree direct billing for insurances. Communicates with school personnel regarding payroll schedules and procedures. Advises school offices regarding check distribution requirements, W-2 forms, and other notices as required. Verify government compliance of contribution limits, reconcile and close payroll calendar year. Produce annual W2 Forms; prepare and balance annual payrolls to the W-2's. Reconcile, close and roll over the payroll fiscal year payments/database for new year, including leave balances and step/lane changes. Verify compliance to each union contract. Provides customer service by responding to multiple payroll related inquiries involving a variety of issues which require detailed research and analysis. Prepares and distributes several forms and reports in accordance with varied federal and state requirements. Updates all federal and state tax tables; determines, schedules and implements annual payroll calendars for district and retirement board. Sets up payroll system and input for summer school. Reconciles allocations of leave benefits and, in conjunction with the Human Resources Department, ensures they are in agreement with union contracts. Researches historical payroll information and provides verification of employment. Assists walk-in employees or managers with any payroll questions. Communicates with school personnel regarding payroll schedules and procedures. Advises school offices regarding check distribution requirements, W-2 forms, and other notices as required. Processes multiple forms and reports on a regular basis as required internally as well as by various School, State and Federal organizations. Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Position Type:

Full-time

Salary:

$66,987 to $85,255 Per Year