PAYROLL AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST (4.0 HOURS PER DAY)

PAYROLL AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment. 

THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IS NOW REQUIRING ALL PARAEDUCATORS TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND/OR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS OR GED TO MEET TITLE 1, PART A FEDERAL LAW REQUIREMENTS.  PLEASE PROVIDE OUR OFFICE WITH A COPY PRIOR TO BEING THE SELECTED CANDIDATE.

Comments: This posting available for current SKSD employees only.

Purpose Statement

The job of Payroll and Benefits Specialist is done for the purpose/s of managing the district’s payroll and benefits processes and operations. This position is the primary contact for requests/concerns related to SEBB benefits, DRS benefits, monthly pay, deductions, and payroll vendor payments. Independently performs work of a varied nature in accordance with broadly defined procedures and guidelines with minimal supervision. Prioritizing and plan work according to meeting strict enrollment deadlines and payroll cutoff days. Work is controlled by state and federal requirements and procedures, district policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and direction of the administration.

Essential Functions:

• Assists auditors annually for the purpose of providing supporting documentation and/or information on internal processes that is required for audit;
• Audits payroll and benefit documents and related information (e.g. employee time cards, leave records, personnel action forms, benefit documents, vendor disbursements, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring timely and accurate payroll and benefits to employees, maintaining and reporting accurate information, and ensuring compliance with district policies, Association agreements, and state and federal tax regulations;
• Communicates with staff and/or outside parties regarding procedural requirements for the purpose of processing transactions;
• Compiles statistical and payroll data from a variety of sources (e.g. time sheets/payroll, salary adjustments, insurance verification, etc.) for the purpose of providing summaries to other personnel, and/or ensuring compliance with established guidelines;
• Confers with a variety of internal and external parties, i.e., state agencies (e.g. DRS, SEBB, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate payroll processing and timely benefit changes;
• Coordinates the payroll process with Human Resources as well as other departments and sites (e.g. new hires, employee authorizations, terminations, salary/assignment determination, FMLA, and PFML, Workers' Compensation, vendors, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring correct payroll in compliance with CBAs, state and federal guidelines;
• Establishes and maintains a variety of confidential payroll files (e.g. salary, deductions, benefits, etc.) for the purpose of accurate department record keeping;
• Monitors and maintains a wide variety of financial documents (e.g. monthly payroll records, leave records, employee withholding, benefit enrollment and deduction forms, retirement records, wage garnishments, files, etc.) for the purpose of providing accurate records and ensuring compliance with district, state and federal regulations;
• Monitors and maintains a wide variety of payroll information (e.g. retirement, SEBB eligibility, flexible spending, Affordable Care Act (ACA), WA Cares (WA LTC, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines;
• Participates in meetings, new employee orientations, in-service training, and workshops (e.g. CBAs, state, and federal guidelines, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions;
• Prepares a variety of payroll related documents (e.g. invoices for overpayments, retirement plan transfers, payroll register, stop payments, W-2s, worker's compensation checks, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information;
• Processes payroll (e.g. current and retroactive wages, new and final pay assignments/contracts, leave cash outs, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring timely and accurate wage payments and benefits to employees and distributions to vendors;
• Provides benefits information and resolves any issues and acts as liaison with state agencies (e.g. eligibility, enrollment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring new and existing employees are informed about benefits offered by the district;
• Reconciles, troubleshoots, researches, and resolves payroll and benefits account information (e.g. timesheets, benefits, retirement information, discrepancies, FMLA, contract closures, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining accurate account balances and complying with established guidelines;
• Responds to inquiries from staff and external agencies for the purpose of providing necessary information for making decisions, assisting employees, taking appropriate action and/or complying with established fiscal guidelines.

Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment; using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles and techniques involved in payroll preparation, monitoring and control; labor contracts and their impact on payroll; and State Education Codes and other applicable laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; and working as part of a team with detailed information/data and frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. The job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience:  Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired in two years of payroll/benefits or accounting experience is preferred. Preferrable K-12 school experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Expertise to perform single technical task. Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, while maintaining adaptability/flexibility

Education (Preferred): Associate degree in Account or Business is preferred.

Education (Minimum): Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area.

Required Testing: All required testing will take place during the interview process.

Certificates and Licenses

Valid Washington State Driver's License required (must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position, including possessing and maintaining a valid license and automobile insurance, when using a personal vehicle for District business)

Continuing Educ./Training                                                                         

Clearances

Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint

Background Clearance

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application (with supporting documents)

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, you may review the individual collective bargaining agreements and SEBB 2025 School Employee Enrollment Guide which are located on our website SK Staff Resources or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at (360) 874-7028 or payrollstaff@skschools.org.

Application Procedure:  Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application and required District Testing (if applicable-see job posting when applying) must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or skjobs@skschools.org.

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Cristin Blaskowitz,
Director of Special Services
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-443-3625
blaskowitz@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Monica Zuber,
Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
zuber@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.

Salary : $35 - $39