PAYROLL SPECIALIST (5044) (#5044)

The Westborough Public Schools, Westborough, MA, 

seeks a dynamic Payroll Specialist to join our

Finance and Administration department

starting May, 2023

The Westborough Public Schools enthusiastically welcome professionals to our district who thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on the importance of relationships with our students, staff, families, and community.

We are an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district whose stellar staff provides high quality services for our diverse students and their families. 

• We educate approximately 4,000 students from Pre-K through age 22, from homes that speak almost 30 different languages. Our student population is approximately 49% Students of Color and 51% White students. 
• We support our vibrant, passionate, dedicated, skilled and professional staff through ongoing collaboration and feedback to ensure their safety, health, sense of belonging, and professional growth! 

With a graduation rate of 97% and 90% of our students attending post-secondary schools, we are proud of our commitment to excellence in educating students to be informed and successful citizens of a global world.  

Job Title:   Payroll Specialist

Reports to:  Assistant Director of Finance and Operations
Department:   Finance / Central Office 

FLSA Status:  Exempt
Work year: Full-year, 261 days (less holidays and vacation)

Job Summary: The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation, entry, and submission of the school payroll.  The Payroll Specialist works collaboratively with the school and town Human Resources departments and with the school and town Finance and Administration staff.  The Payroll Specialist communicates with school staff  in ways that are both proactive and responsive to their needs. The Payroll Specialist provides customer service to the school department’s staff and actively resolves any payroll issues that arise.

 
QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Minimum of two years of college or Associate's degree preferred, but will consider other relevant training and experience

Hiring Requirement: 

• Successful completion of DESE mandated Criminal Records Check (CORI) and fingerprints 

Experience:

• 1-3 years of strong payroll or other relevant accounting experience 
• Demonstrated skill and experience in Microsoft Office applications and Google Workplace applications, including but not limited to MS Excel, MS Word, Google Sheets, and Google Docs
• Commitment to remain current in content knowledge and best practices in accounting/payroll
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and in conformity with state certification requirements

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: 

• Strong accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Solid math and analytical skills required
• Good time management skills for work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with the Finance and Administration team as well as Human Resources staff.
• Ability to recognize and resolve discrepancies with minimal assistance
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral forms 
• Ability to work collegially and cooperatively with all constituencies within the school and town community is essential
• Willingness to adjust to the changing needs of the department, with the flexibility to meet those work needs and demands
• Exercise sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: 

• Assemble, generate, and verify the School Department’s bi-weekly payroll warrants
• Process the payroll functions in agreement with various individualized and union contracts
• Collaborate with administrative and school administrative assistants to confirm accuracy of data submitted for processing
• Maintain payroll records for all school department personnel in compliance with the Secretary of State’s record retention schedule
• Create and update timesheets for non-professional staff
• Compile monthly report of deductions from administrators and teachers into the Retirement Boards
• Notify the Assistant Director of Finance of any and all potential or actual issues related to the payroll functions
• Promptly and courteously answer calls and emails pertaining to payroll questions and/or forward these to the appropriate school/town colleague
• Prepare all preliminary payrolls for review by the Assistant Director of Finance
• Prepare service verifications
• Prepare retirement applications for MTRS and WRRS
• Perform all other relative duties and assignments as directed by the Director and Assisatant Director of Finance and Operations

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary and benefits as per contract between the Westborough School Committee and the Administration. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The payroll specialist does not have any supervisory responsibilities. 

The Westborough Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other class protected by law.

Date Updated:  3/29/23