What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Manager position at Portland Public Schools, Maine?
- Responsible for administering, planning, organizing, and controlling all aspects of the District's payroll function.
- Ensures compliance with state, federal, and local payroll regulations.
- Monitors and coordinates related reporting requirements to government agencies such as the IRS, Maine Revenue Services, Maine Public Employees Retirement System, and Maine Department of Education.
- Processes monthly, quarterly, fiscal year and calendar year end reconciliations, including, but not limited to wages, withholdings, taxes, general ledger accounts, W-2s, 941s, etc.
- Provides technical and functional leadership in the use of the ADP Payroll System, including trouble-shooting and providing technical assistance and training to users.
- Manages the recording of attendance and accrual of leave time, transaction balancing, processing, and reporting.
- Communicates actively with HR and Benefits team to ensure the accuracy of benefits withholdings.
- Partners with other Finance staff to process the biweekly payroll interface to the general ledger and reconcile payroll liability accounts.
- Maintains and updates payroll tables, calendars, and schedules.
- Reviews and analyzes current payroll, benefits, and tax withholding procedures in order to recommend changes leading to best practice operations.
- Supervises and evaluates two payroll staff.
- Bachelor's degree.
- 5 years of experience working in payroll processing, preferably in a managerial capacity and in a large organization with a variety of employment classifications.
- 3 years of relevant experience supporting HR-Payroll software systems. ADP experience preferred.
- Ability to understand and apply federal and state regulations relating to payroll, labor and employment tax laws.
- Advanced capabilities using MS Excel.
- Ability to multi-task and complete objectives within strict time constraints.
- Ability and willingness to work flexible work hours to ensure payroll deadlines are met.
- Strong customer service orientation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Integrity and trustworthiness specific to confidentiality and privacy of employee information.
- Proactive and collaborative in resolving issues with employees and other departments.
- Other combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
- Certified Payroll Professional preferred
- Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
- Year-round position
- Permanent, full time (1.0 FTE)
- Non-represented
- Salaried position
- Eligible for benefits as outlined here
JobID: 5349
Position Type:
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
Date Posted:
1/21/2026
1/21/2026
Location:
Finance
Finance
Date Available:
ASAP
ASAP
Closing Date:
Open until filled
Open until filled
TITLE: Payroll Manager - Central Office
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is a diverse urban school district serving approximately 6,800 students. The district's Finance Department supports the educational mission of PPS by facilitating efficient and effective use of resources while providing a high level of customer service to school staff and district administrators. As an integral member of the Finance team, the Payroll Manager will oversee the operations of the district's Payroll Department, managing the processing and reporting of biweekly payrolls for 1,200 full and part-time employees.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
ABOUT PPS:
Located two hours north of Boston, Portland, Maine, is a progressive and vibrant community where all of the possibilities for living an active, balanced, and engaged life are at your fingertips. Portland Public Schools is a cornerstone of our community. We are the largest public school district in Maine and the most diverse district in Northern New England with more than 60 world languages spoken by our students and families. PPS offers competitive wages and a full range of benefits for both part-time and full-time staff. Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a complimentary employee assistance program, voluntary retirement plans, various paid time off options and much more!
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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.