1.0 FTE Payroll Benefits Specialist

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District is seeking a Payroll Benefits Specialist in the Payroll Department. The role reports to the Payroll Supervisor and focuses on payroll accounting and employee benefits administration.

The starting wage is $21.92 per hour for a 1.0 FTE position with 260 days per year. Class/Pay Grade 10, closing date 09/22/2026. High accuracy under pressure is essential, along with knowledge of benefits and payroll issues.

Qualifications

• Typing speed of 40 wpm.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Respond to payroll questions promptly with courteous service.
• Type administrative letters, correspondence and reports; maintain filing systems.
• Adhere to internal controls to ensure data integrity.
• Process vendor payments and reconciliations by deadlines.
• Support payroll processes per Federal/State laws and policies.
• Assist with reporting employee status changes and service verifications.
• Serve as the benefits inquiries contact; know plan documents and laws.
• Prepare and distribute communications about available benefits.
• Help maintain procedures for benefits and retirement programs.
• Compile and analyze benefit reports regularly.
• Assist with coordinating the annual Employee Benefit Fair.
• Calculate health insurance premiums and maintain references.
• Collaborate with staff to resolve benefit program issues.
• Assist with open enrollment for applicable benefits.
• Provide backup to other payroll staff and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Typing 40 wpm

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

• Position Type:
  Classified Positions/ Payroll Benefits Specialist
  
• Date Posted:
  9/14/2026
  
• Location:
  Payroll Department
  
• Closing Date:
  09/22/2026
  

Position/PCN: Payroll Benefits Specialist at Payroll Department, Matsu Borough School District Administrative Building

Position FTE: 1.0 FTE
Pay Grade: 10

Starting Wage: $21.92

Days Per Year: 260

Specificjob responsibilitiesrelevant for this position include:Under the direction of the Payroll Supervisor, coordinates activities and processes associated with payroll accounting and all related benefits to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Must have a high level of accuracy and ability to work under stressful situations. Must have a thorough knowledge of benefit and payroll issues in order to problem solve troublesome areas and administer employee benefits.

Duty No. Essential Duties Frequency Band/Grade

1 Responds to payroll related questions in a timely and cordial manner. Supports all department inquiries with the highest standards of customer services. Daily B2

2 Types administrative letters, correspondence, and reports; maintains appropriate filing systems according to established procedures. Daily A1

3 Complies with established internal control standards to ensure system and procedural integrity. Daily B2

4 Process required vendor payments and reconciliation as assigned. Complies with all payment deadlines to avoid costly penalties. Daily B2

5 Supports various aspects of the payroll process in accordance with Federal, State Laws, and policy procedures. Daily B2

6 Assist with reporting employee status changes and verification of service requests to the State. As Needed B3

7 Point of contact for benefit related inquires. Must be familiar with plan documents and applicable Federal and State laws. As Needed B2

8 Prepare and develop communication and educational materials regarding available benefits. As Needed B3

9 Help develop and maintain procedures to administer employee benefits and retirement programs. As Needed B3

10 Compile and analyze benefit related reports on a regular basis. Weekly B3

11 Assist with coordinating and setting up the annual Employee Benefit Fair. As Needed B2

12 Calculate health insurance premiums and maintain related reference documents and tables. As Needed B3

13 Work with employees and administrators to solve and mediate problems with benefit programs. As Needed B2

14 Assist with the open enrollment process for applicable benefits. As Needed B2

15 Provide assistance and backup as needed to other payroll staff. Perform other duties as assigned. As Required B3

Knowledge:
Skills (position requirements at entry): Typing 40 wpm. Must be proficient with Microsoft products including Word and Excel.
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry): A. A. or B. A. degree preferred. Previous education, training, work or life experience which provides reasonable evidence of the successful performance of the tasks listed. Such evidence may include working knowledge (1-3 years) of payroll functions and employee benefits.
Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry): A valid Alaska Driver's License.
Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.