CLERICAL PROFESSIONAL PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Uintah School District; Naples (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Uintah School District in Utah is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate, timely payroll for all district employees, ensuring compliance with district policies and federal/state regulations. You will maintain payroll records, review transactions, work with Human Resources, and provide confidential customer service while staying current on laws such as FLSA and Utah rules.

This full-time role requires CPP certification within one year and experience with payroll software; occasional

Qualifications

• CPP certification within 1 year of start date.
• Experience with payroll tax reporting (IRS Form 941) and W-2 processing preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll and financial software; Excel proficiency expected.

Responsibilities

• Administer payroll for the district, ensuring accuracy and on-schedule payments.
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with policy and privacy requirements.
• Review payroll transactions for accuracy and compliance (contracts, deductions, benefits, taxes).
• Collaborate with Human Resources to keep employee data current.
• Process payroll tax deposits and year-end filings in regulatory compliance.
• Provide confidential payroll information to employees and support district financial operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CPP certification (within 1 year)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Payroll software

Job description

Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and confidential administration of payroll for all district employees. This position ensures compliance with district policies and applicable state and federal regulations while maintaining the integrity of payroll records and processes. The Payroll Specialist works collaboratively with the Business Office, Human Resources, administrators, and employees to provide exceptional customer service and support the District’s financial operations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Administer all aspects of the District's payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain payroll records and employee compensation information in accordance with district policy and state and federal record retention and data privacy requirements.
• Review payroll transactions for accuracy and compliance, including employee contracts, payroll adjustments, deductions, benefits, and tax reporting.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources Department to ensure employee data and payroll records remain accurate and current.
• Process payroll tax deposits, required reports, and year-end payroll filings in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and assist in identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes and efficiency.
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and payroll-related questions while providing professional and confidential customer service.
• Work collaboratively with Business Office staff to support district financial operations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Remain current on payroll laws, regulations, and best practices, including Department of Labor requirements, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and applicable Utah regulations.
• Attend required meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as assigned. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in a related field preferred.
• Previous payroll, accounting, human resources, or employee benefits experience preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification required (must be obtained within one year of start date).
• Experience with payroll tax reporting, including IRS Form 941, federal and state tax withholding, and W-2 processing preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll and financial software; experience with LINQ software preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working in a public school district or governmental payroll environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Knowledge of payroll principles, accounting practices, and applicable state and federal payroll regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement.