Accountant II - Payroll

Salt Lake City School District

Salt Lake City (UT)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 92,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Eligible benefits

Job summary

The Salt Lake City School District is seeking an Accountant II - Payroll to own the district’s payroll cycle and supervise the payroll department. You will ensure accuracy, implement controls, and maintain compliance with district and regulatory guidelines.

As a key member of Finance, you will report to the Director of Finance, manage payroll processing for 50+ employees, and lead process improvements across the team in a 242 day calendar, with an anticipated start date in October 2026.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years payroll experience OR 3+ years payroll experience with master’s degree
Experience applying accounting principles and payroll tax codes, policies, and regulations
Experience using electronic payroll software systems to regularly issue pay to 50+ employees
Intermediate level of Microsoft Office Suite Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
Speak, read, write, and present professionally in English
Ability to operate standard office equipment

Responsibilities

Process payroll reliably for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Authorize supplemental payroll checks for special compensation and resolve errors promptly
Calculate pay for incoming/outgoing employees and contract variances
Collect data and analyze financial information to evaluate payroll accounting effectiveness
Implement internal controls and monitor payroll laws to ensure compliance
Communicate with district stakeholders and provide information to complete transactions
Reconcile payroll GL accounts and prepare journal entries
Train payroll staff on electronic systems and processes
Supervise assigned personnel and manage workload and performance

Skills

Payroll accounting

Microsoft Office Suite

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 5+ years payroll experience

Master’s degree + 3+ years payroll experience

Tools

UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

Business Plus

Microsoft Access

Job description

Accountant II - Payroll

Salt Lake City School District Payroll - Salt Lake City, Utah Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5905858
Application Deadline: Sep 27, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
Posted: Aug 27, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Accountant II - Payroll

Position Details

Work Calendar: 242 Day Calendar Starting Wage: $83,450 annually

FTE: 1.0 (40 Hours per week) Salary Schedule/Lane: 42/D/01

Contract Status: Contract Benefits: Eligible

FLSA Status: Exempt Anticipated Start Date:10/12/2026

Reports To: Director of Finance Priority Screen Date:09/09/2026

Positions Available: One Vacancy

JOB SUMMARY

The Accountant II - Payroll has full ownership of the district’s payroll cycle and supervises the activities of the payroll department including developing reporting procedures and internal controls; implementing procedures and processes; ensuring the accuracy of payroll-related data and compliance with district and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines; and monitoring employee performance achieving the department's overall objectives.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years experience in payroll-related area OR 3+ years payroll-related experience with master’s degree
Experience applying accounting principles and pertinent federal, state, and local tax codes, policies, and regulations and/or laws
Experience using electronic payroll software systems to regularly issue pay to 50+ employees
Intermediate level of Microsoft Office Suite Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
Speak, read, write, and present professionally, analyze, and interpret English written and verbal communications
Ability to operate standard office equipment; phone, copy machines, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

CPA certification or CPA candidate
Experience using Business Plus
Experience working in K-12 education, or other government entity
Experience using UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) for processing payroll
Experience using Microsoft Access
Experience supervising two or more staff

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Consistently and reliability processes payroll checks and associated withholdings to pay employees, taxes, withholdings, garnishments, and vendors; collaborate with Human Resources Services to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing
Authorize supplemental payroll checks to meet special compensation requirements and resolve payroll errors in a timely manner
Understand contract pay and correctly calculate pay for incoming and outgoing employees and other contract variance circumstances
Collect and analyze research material and data (e.g., financial information, state and federal mandates, etc.) to evaluate, make recommendations, and report on the effectiveness of financial, budgetary, receipts, revenue, and payroll accounting
Implement reporting procedures and internal controls to maintain accurate records and comply with standard accounting practices, district policies, and other regulatory requirements; monitor and implement changes in payroll laws and regulations to ensure compliance
Inform a variety of district stakeholders (e.g. personnel, vendors, administrators, etc.) and provide necessary information for completing transactions and procedures, taking appropriate actions, and complying with established fiscal guidelines
Monitor a variety of financial activity, ensuring that allocations are accurate and fiscal practices are followed
Attend department and district meetings, workshops and seminars as needed to support payroll and department functions
Maintain a wide variety of documents, files, and records (e.g. accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, contracts, etc.) and prepare written materials (e.g. reports, W-2, 941, memos, letters, procedures, manuals etc.) to provide an up-to-date reference, documentation of activities, ensure compliance, and provide written reference and/or conveying information and an audit trail
Assist auditors by providing required information and coordinating necessary project activities
Reconcile related general ledger payroll accounts and prepare journal entries as needed to ensure that all contributions and deductions are properly recorded and remitted; analyze, summarize, interpret, and review data to make appropriate recommendations
Research discrepancies of payroll information and/or documentation to ensure accuracy and implement corrective measures, as necessary
Train payroll personnel to provide information on proper operation of electronic systems and other payroll related topics
Transfer funds electronically through the bank to pay federal income, FICA, and Medicare taxes
Present information on a variety of topics to communicate information, gain feedback and ensure adherence to established internal controls
Provide technical expertise and direction (e.g. internal processes, accounting procedures, etc.) to convey pertinent information to appropriate parties
Respond to a variety of inquiries (e.g. staff, administration, vendors, etc.) to provide information, direction, and referral for addressing inquiries
Supervise and provide leadership and guidance to assigned personnel, including workload assignments, training, evaluations, performance management, monitoring of quality and quantity of work, scheduling time off, providing technical assistance and training, coaching, employee relations, time approval, etc. ensuring accurate, timely, and smooth completion of department responsibilities and goals; and to enhance personnel productivity and achieving objectives within budget
Support a team environment by collaborating with own and other work units to effectively perform the duties of the position
Communicate effectively with diverse individuals while maintaining confidentiality and building positive working relationships with employees and stakeholders
Adapt to changing work priorities and work with frequent interruptions, as required
Work under limited supervision, utilizing time management and prioritization strategies, accurately processing detailed information and meeting deadlines
Speak, read, write, analyze, understand, and follow written and verbal communication in English including grammar and punctuation; listen to, and understand information and ideas presented verbally or in writing
Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements efficiently and effectively
As needed, roll, push, pull, bend, reach, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds
Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

EMPLOYEE SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Yes

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Accountant II Physical Demands Form

The Salt Lake City School District is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resource Services – Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org) or call 801-578-8340.

Non-Discrimination Statement

No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code, including scouting groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Tina Hatch, Compliance and Investigations/Title IX Coordinator, 406 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 578-8340 You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $83,450 Per Year

Job Requirements