Director of Human Resources/ Payroll Coordinator

Watson Chapel School District

Pine Bluff (AR)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 95,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Watson Chapel School District in Pine Bluff, Arkansas seeks a Director of Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator to manage HR operations and payroll functions. It requires handling employment records, benefits, and compliance while supporting recruitment and onboarding across district staff.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, accuracy, and collaboration with the Superintendent, Business Office, and state/federal agencies in a 240-day schedule with exempt status.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, accounting, finance or related field preferred.
Experience in HR, payroll, benefits, or related administrative work.
Experience in Arkansas public schools is a plus.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day HR operations and onboarding processes.
Process payroll, benefits, and related records timely and accurately.
Maintain confidential personnel files and comply with laws and policies.
Prepare required personnel reports and manage leave documentation.
Assist with recruitment, documentation, and payroll reporting.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

HR practices

Data-entry skills

Software proficiency

Recordkeeping

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Apps

Job description

Director of Human Resources/ Payroll Coordinator

Watson Chapel School District – Pine Bluff, Arkansas

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Job Details

Job ID: 5945588

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 30, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Description for Director of Human Resources/ Payroll Coordinator

Position Title: Human Resources/ Payroll Coordinator

Job Status: Full Time Reports To: TBD

FLSA Status: Exempt Amount of Travel: 25%

Classification: Classified Administrator Level: District Level Position

Date Created: September 2026 Work Schedule: 240 Days

Salary Range: TBD (Experience and certification will be considered.)

POSITON SUMMARY

The Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and administering the district’s human resources and payroll functions. The position ensures the accurate and timely processing of employee payroll, benefits, personnel records, employment documentation, leave, and required reports while supporting the recruitment, onboarding, retention, and ongoing employment needs of District personnel.

The Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator works collaboratively with the Superintendent, Business Office, school administrators, employees, benefit providers, and appropriate state and federal agencies to ensure that personnel and payroll operations are conducted accurately, efficiently, confidentially, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and District procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources

Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the district’s human resources functions.
Coordinate the recruitment, screening, selection, hiring, and onboarding processes for certified and classified employees.
Maintain current job postings and employment opportunities and assist administrators with recruitment activities.
Process new employee paperwork and ensure that required employment documentation is complete before employment begins.
Coordinate employee background checks and maintain appropriate documentation.
Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files and electronic employee records.
Maintain employee demographic, employment, salary, position, and other personnel information within the district’s information systems.
Monitor certification and licensure requirements for licensed employees and assist employees with renewal requirements.
Process employee resignations, retirements, transfers, terminations, and other changes in employment status.
Prepare employment-related information and documentation for consideration by the Superintendent and Board of Education.
Coordinate and maintain records associated with employee evaluations as assigned.
Process and maintain documentation related to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), sick leave, and other applicable employee leave programs.
Assist with the administration of workers' compensation claims and required documentation.
Serve as a resource to employees and administrators regarding personnel procedures, benefits, leave, payroll, and other employment-related matters.
Assist District leadership with the development, implementation, communication, and revision of personnel procedures and policies.
Prepare and submit required personnel reports to appropriate state and federal agencies.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee records, payroll information, medical information, and other sensitive personnel matters.

Payroll and Benefits

Coordinate and process District payroll accurately and according to established payroll schedules.
Review and process employee timesheets, attendance records, leave records, supplemental pay, stipends, deductions, and other payroll-related information.
Enter, verify, and maintain payroll information within the district’s financial management system.
Calculate and process appropriate employee payroll deductions and withholdings.
Verify payroll information for accuracy before final processing.
Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation.
Reconcile payroll-related accounts, deductions, insurance premiums, and benefit billings.
Coordinate payroll changes resulting from new hires, salary adjustments, position changes, contract changes, resignations, retirements, and terminations.
Coordinate with the Business Office to ensure employee salaries and payroll expenditures are charged appropriately.
Serve as a liaison between district employees and insurance/benefit providers.
Assist employees with enrollment, changes, and questions concerning health, disability, and other district-sponsored benefits.
Process benefit deductions and reconcile employee insurance deductions with provider invoices.
Assist with required payroll reporting and year-end payroll processes.
Maintain appropriate records related to employee compensation, benefits, leave, and payroll transactions.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.

Compliance, Reporting, and Records

Ensure personnel and payroll practices comply with applicable federal and state laws, Arkansas Department of Education requirements, Board policies, District procedures, and applicable employment requirements.
Complete required personnel and payroll reports accurately and within established deadlines.
Maintain appropriate records for audits and assist with personnel and payroll audits as requested.
Respond to requests for employment verification and other authorized personnel information.
Maintain appropriate document retention practices for personnel and payroll records.
Monitor changes in laws, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting human resources, payroll, benefits, and employee records.
Participate in professional development and training necessary to remain current in human resources and payroll practices.
Provide requested personnel and payroll information to the Superintendent and other authorized District administrators.

Other Duties

Perform other duties and special assignments as directed by the Superintendent or designee.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator shall demonstrate a high level of integrity, professionalism, accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service. Because the position has access to confidential personnel, compensation, financial, and employee information, the employee must exercise sound judgment and always maintain confidentiality.

The employee is expected to establish positive and productive working relationships with employees, administrators, applicants, benefit providers, and members of the public and to model ethical and professional conduct.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Previous experience in human resources, payroll, accounting, employee benefits, or a related administrative field required or strongly preferred. Experience in an Arkansas public school district is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of payroll processing and payroll-related recordkeeping.

Knowledge of basic human resources practices and procedures.

Strong computer and data-entry skills.

Ability to learn and effectively utilize the district’s financial, payroll, and personnel software.

Ability to maintain accurate records and meet established deadlines.

Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills.

Effective written and oral communication skills.

Ability to interpret and apply District policies and established procedures.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with District administrators and employees.

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Experience with Microsoft Office, Google, and other relevant systems.

EVALUATION/ PERFORMANCE REVIEW CRITERIA

Performance will be evaluated by the Superintendent of Schools or designee in accordance with applicable law, Board policy, and the responsibilities established for this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Most responsibilities are performed in an indoor office or school environment. The position requires regular use of computers and office equipment and may require occasional travel to District schools, meetings, professional development activities, and other locations. Some responsibilities may require work outside normal business hours, including attendance at Board meetings or District activities when necessary.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. The Watson Chapel School District reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as District needs require.

Position Type

Full-time

Job Categories

Administration > Business/Finance

Administration > Human Resources

This job will be posted until filled.

Job Requirements