Assistant Director of Finance - Payroll Operations Manager

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

JOB DEFINITION:

The Payroll Operations Manager is responsible for leading and performing all aspects of the district’s payroll operations and serves as the district’s subject matter expert in payroll administration, applying deep knowledge of state and federal laws, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies to maintain consistent, compliant payroll practices. This position provides direct supervision and guidance to payroll staff while also taking an active, hands-on role in processing, auditing, and reconciling payroll to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.

The Payroll Operations Manager will mentor and develop staff to strengthen payroll team expertise and build capacity for cross-functional collaboration. Independent judgment and decision-making aligned with district goals and applicable laws are required in matters not governed by established procedures. This role requires a balance of strategic leadership, operational oversight, and day-to-day execution to sustain the district’s commitment to excellence in payroll service and financial stewardship and partners closely with other units within the organization to ensure data integrity, streamline workflows, and deliver reliable payroll services for all employee groups.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee and perform all aspects of payroll processing for district employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, district policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Supervise, train, and support payroll staff, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development to ensure consistent, high-quality work.
• Process complex payrolls and reconcile related financial transactions, including pay adjustments, deductions, benefits, overtime, leave, and retroactive pay, with a high degree of accuracy.
• Maintain and audit payroll records and data integrity within the district’s financial and human resources systems; identify and resolve discrepancies in coordination with HR, Accounting, and IT.
• Serve as the district’s subject matter expert on payroll laws, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations; interpret and apply rules governing compensation, tax withholding, and benefits administration.
• Develop and maintain procedures, calendars, and internal controls to ensure efficient and compliant payroll operations.
• Analyze payroll data and workflow trends to identify opportunities for strategic improvement in accuracy, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to align payroll processes with employee data management, onboarding, separations, and leave administration.
• Coordinate with Accounting to support general ledger reconciliation, journal entries, and year-end reporting.
• Prepare and submit payroll-related reports to federal and state agencies, retirement systems, and other external entities.
• Recommend and implement system and process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Respond to employee and management inquiries regarding compensation, deductions, and pay-related policies, ensuring professional, timely, and confidential communication.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment is primarily an office setting within the district’s administrative offices. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment, and regular interaction with employees, administrators, and external agencies.

Work is performed under tight deadlines with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities, requiring attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive payroll and personnel information.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of payroll administration, accounting, and financial recordkeeping

• Federal and state payroll laws, including wage and hour, tax, and retirement regulations
• Collective bargaining agreements and their impact on pay structures and leave provisions
• Internal control procedures and audit practices related to payroll operations
• Payroll software systems, ERP integrations, and related financial applications
• District policies, procedures, and organizational structures

• Knowledge of GAAP and GASB

• Process, audit, and reconcile complex payrolls with accuracy and efficiency

• Supervise, train, and evaluate payroll staff with clarity and consistency
• Interpret and apply laws, contracts, and policies in a practical, solutions-oriented manner
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations
• Communicate effectively—both orally and in writing—with staff, leadership, and external agencies
• Analyze data, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions
• Prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Collaborate effectively with Human Resources, Accounting, and other departments to ensure aligned and accurate processes
• Adapt to new technologies and continuous system or process improvements
• Obtain and interpret data from centralized databases

• Exercise judgment and make decisions without definitive guidance or direction

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in high-volume payroll administration or financial operations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll systems, accounting principles, and relevant federal and state regulations

• Experience in a public school district, government agency, or other large, unionized organization

• Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing staff capacity in a collaborative, service-oriented environment
• Certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Experience with integrated HRIS/finance systems (e.g., Business Plus, Tyler, or comparable platforms)

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools

Benefits Information:

Bend-La Pine Schools provides its employees with a range of competitive and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life and disability insurance, an employee assistance program, options to enroll in employee funded 403(b) and/or 457(d) retirement savings plan, and various leave and professional development programs.

Bend-La Pine contributes the required 6% of employees’ annual salary on a pre-tax basis to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP) on the employee’s behalf.

To learn more about the additional benefits or compensation options available for each employee group, please visit our website.

For consideration, please submit the following along with your application

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation (preferred, not required)