Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Forest Hills Public School District Administration - Grand Rapids, Michigan This job is also posted in Forest Hills Public School District Job Board, and Kent ISD Job Details

Job ID:

5764048

Application Deadline:

Jun 19, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted:

Jun 05, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

To Be Determined Job Description Payroll Specialist Administration

Reports To:

Director of Finance

Schedule:

40 hours/52 weeks, Supervisor

Salary:

Commensurate with Supervisor Agreement, Grade 3

Job Summary:

The Payroll Specialist works to accomplish the goals of the Business Office and District by assisting with maintaining an accurate payroll system.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associates degree in accounting or related field Minimum of three to five years comprehensive clerical/bookkeeping/payroll processing experience in an environment with a large employee base and multiple union contracts. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computerized software systems (eFinance Plus preferred), spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) and word processing (Microsoft Word). Skills with Google Suite Strong analytical aptitude, detail oriented and organized Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other central office departments and individual employees within the school community. Ability to handle a multitude of issues/responsibilities with minimal supervision. Ability to work a flexible schedule when necessary and work well under pressure, adhere to strict deadlines Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Essential Job Functions:

Possess and maintain knowledge of laws and procedures related to payroll functions; payroll practices, taxes, contracts, hourly or salaried pay, FLSA, overtime, IRS and related topics. Train and assist building/department secretaries and supervisors with electronic timesheets for processing. Verify and upload payroll related data from all buildings and departments including substitute teachers. Calculate and input miscellaneous pays and required voluntary deductions. Maintain staff in an electronic time keeping system, including input and verification of staff leaves and absences, and fiscal year accruals. Maintain electronic employee payroll files. Complete and process various requests from outside organizations including retirement affidavits, verifications of employment, workers compensation wage information forms and wage garnishments in collaboration with the Payroll Supervisor. Review and verify hourly and salary pay schedules for accuracy and completeness. Set up and maintain direct deposits. Complete and submit all state and retirement reports in collaboration with the Payroll Supervisor. Assist with fiscal year end and audit activities, including preparation of schedules related to areas of responsibility and payroll related liability account reconciliation. Assist with W-2 preparation and distribution. Process bi-weekly payroll and all related records and tax liabilities including EPARS and monthly demographic reporting. Serve as backup in the absence of the Payroll Supervisor. Consistent and reliable attendance. Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, jump, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must be able to lift and/or move a minimum of 20 pounds and occasionally exceeding 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Work will be performed primarily indoors but may need to be outdoors occasionally.

Mental Functions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Evaluation:

In accordance with the Supervisor Agreement.

Terms of Employment:

The employee will remain free of any alcohol or drugs throughout his/her employment with the district as outlined in Board Policy #4210. The Forest Hills Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally prohibited basis in its employment decisions or the provision of services.

Position Type:

Full-Time