Director of Payroll

Job Description

Purpose: Under limited supervision, the Director of Payroll performs supervisory and complex accounting and fiscal-control work in overseeing the administration and processing of the school system's payroll. This role involves ensuring accurate preparation, processing, and submission of employee payroll records and related payments and withholdings. The Director of Payroll also supervises subordinate staff, addresses inquiries related to payroll operations, and ensures compliance with state and federal tax requirements.

Reports to: Chief Resources Officer

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Assign, direct, and supervise the activities of the Lead Payroll Specialist
• Ensure adherence to established laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Assist and advise subordinates in resolving non-routine issues.
• Conduct personnel administration duties, including hiring, firing, evaluating, and assigning special duties.

Payroll Administration:

• Oversee and participate in the preparation of employee payroll records.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing and distribution.
• Maintain and update payroll records, including salary changes, deductions, and tax parameters.
• Manage the preparation and submission of computerized payroll records, reports, and forms.
• Coordinate payroll record and check production with the information technology division.
• Reconcile all payroll liabilities to underlying calculations and general ledger accounts.
• Monitor salary audit exceptions to determine necessary action.
• Reconcile and remit month-end ORBIT reports and maintain retirement system data files.
• Prepare and submit required tax reports and forms (e.g., W-2, 1042S, 941, NC 5Q, NC 3).

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Prepare and file reports as required by state and federal tax authorities.
• Manage internal and external audits, including employment tax audits and pension audits.
• Oversee the international tax program to ensure regulatory compliance.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement efficiencies in payroll processes through automation.
• Participate in the configuration and implementation of an integrated payroll/human resource system.
• Collaborate with vendors to address issues or enhancements to payroll software.

Communication and Support:

• Assist and advise school system personnel on payroll matters.
• Resolve discrepancies in payroll administration and records.
• Attend school staff meetings to communicate upcoming changes as they occur and respond to payroll-related inquiries.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll operations and employee information.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prepare various hourly and salaried payrolls.
• Verify and enter data for newly hired or terminated personnel and miscellaneous deductions.
• Calculate and provide salary projections for retiring employees.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:  

• PREFERRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, financial management, or a related field.
  • 6 to 9 years of experience in technical accounting, payroll, or financial management work.
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• REQUIRED:
  • Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws.
  • Proficiency in payroll processing and accounting practices.
  • Strong supervisory and organizational skills.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate payroll records and reports.
  • Proficiency with common office machines and payroll software.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate various automated office machines.
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
• Primarily sedentary work, with occasional walking or standing.

Term of Employment: 12 months

Salary: Director Salary Scale