Payroll Officer

(DO NOT APPLY THROUGH SCHOOL SPRING) - Apply via directions below:

Submit a resume, cover letter via email to hroffice@valleytech.k12.ma.us or via mail to the Human Resource Office at Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, 65 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA 01568-1499 by the end of the posting period.

he Payroll Officer is responsible for accurately producing the school district's in-house payroll, processing Tax Sheltered Annuity Products (TSA’s), processing all deduction payments, and any other payroll related reporting requirements to the appropriate state and federal authorities and reconcile both Active Employee and Retiree/COBRA benefits billing under the direct supervision of the School Business Official. This is accomplished utilizing state of the art automated software. The position requires knowledge of payroll processes and extensive reconciliation and verification skills.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Maintain and process payroll in accordance with salary schedules under the collective bargaining agreement or individual contract in accordance with human resource personnel records and policies/procedures. Ensure that all mandates relative to confidentiality of payroll records are adhered to strictly.

2. Work with the human resource office in matters related to processing benefit deductions/billing (i.e. medical/life/dental/vision insurance, TSA’s, FSA’s, vacation/personal/sick leave, etc.). Assist employees with problems regarding payroll related issues (change in withholdings, direct deposit, annuities, FSA’s, union dues, name/address, etc.)

3. Perform biweekly employee maintenance to include gathering time sheets for all non-salaried personnel; verify/input hours, rates, totals and absences; and input withholding changes. Analytical review of payroll reports, print checks and posting to general ledger to complete the payroll cycle.

4. Prepare, reconcile and submit biweekly deductions for TSA’s and OBRA (non-voluntary). Prepare, reconcile and submit retirement deductions to the appropriate pension system (MTRS for MTRS Eligible employees and MSRB for State Retirement Eligible employees.

5. Prepare, reconcile and submit the following Quarterly Reports: 941's, WR1’s, state withholdings, unemployment insurance, multiple worksite report. Annually prepare and distribute W-2’s and 1095 ACA tax forms. Communicate required deduction information to Treasurer for required transfers.

6. Maintain payroll system updates, specifically Circular E (Federal) & Circular M (State) for both biweekly and school year employees.

7. Reconcile wages paid to employees to employee contracts and/or schedules as approved by the district’s school committee. Review general ledger payroll accounts to approved budgets and notify School Business Official of any discrepancies. Prepare any required journal entries.

8. Responsible for the processing of health, life and dental deductions/billing for current and retired employees. Calculation of partial month deductions and refunds. Reconciliation of monthly billings to deductions and preparation of invoices for warrant processing. Also responsible for billing related functions associated with MTRS eligible retirees in transition to the GIC (Group Insurance Commission) and COBRA. These functions require a continuous exchange of information with the human resource office.

9. Assist in the yearly budget and financial audit process; prepare annual workers comp audit.

10. Assist the human resource office in the completion of a variety of forms such as unemployment claims, workers compensation wage statements, wage garnishments, credit institution verification of employment requests and state retirement applications.

11. Maintains a current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and laws as they pertain to wages and hours, retirement, social security, tax levies, wage garnishments, etc. Applies this knowledge consistently in the processing of payroll.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Minimum Associate's degree in business or accounting, plus 2-5 years accounting/payroll experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations concerning wages and hours regulations, retirement, social security, tax levies, wage garnishments, etc.

3. Be highly functional with payroll software applications and procedures.

4. Ability to communicate effectively; plan and organize work while performing a variety of office functions.

5. Possess demonstrated successful experience and competence in the use of technology applications such as automated payroll and accounts receivable systems as well as Microsoft products (specifically Microsoft Excel).

6. Be flexible and cooperative - be willing and able to complete tasks with minimum supervision as a member of an organized business office team. Ability to interact in an effective and positive manner with employees, co-workers, outside professionals and members of the public on a regular basis.

7. Possess physical and emotional capacity to fulfill responsibilities and duties expected. This position involves sitting at a desk for several hours a day, sustained hand/wrist movement as in writing or using a computer keyboard/mouse. Other activities may include moderate to frequent physical exertion in body movements such as reaching, bending and twisting.

Compensation and Terms of Employment:

1. Compensation based on qualifications and experience. Annualized salary range of $66,000 - $70,000, paid bi-weekly. Full year assignment - 52 weeks, 37.5 hours per week. Regular schedule Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours per day with a half-hour duty free lunch period. Targeted workday of 8: 00 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m. Extended hours may be necessary to meet deadlines (Calendar Year End & Fiscal Year End).

2. The school district will provide necessary facilities, equipment, materials and supplies as needed to accomplish assignment.

3. All benefits and entitlements available to Full Year Support Personnel will be provided. Those include:

3.1 Paid vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.

3.2 Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance, identity theft protection, flexible spending account plan, pension provisions, and professional improvement.