HR & Payroll Specialist | Compliance & Payroll Accuracy

Southeast Polk Community School District; Pleasant Hill (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Human Resources/Payroll Specialist to serve as the operational liaison between HR and Business/Payroll. The role emphasizes cross-departmental HR, benefits, and payroll processes with strict attention to accuracy and compliance.

The position supports internal controls, staff training, and collaboration with leadership to ensure district-wide compliance with federal and state regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree or certificate in related field preferred.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or pHCLE certification preferred.
• Minimum of three years of accounting, payroll, and/or HR experience; five years preferred.
• Working knowledge of onboarding documents and procedures (I-9, W-4, Central Employee Registry).
• Familiarity with federal/state labor laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA).
• Experience with HRIS/ERP software.

Responsibilities

• Enter new pay rates and maintain existing pay rates in the system.
• Conduct pre-payroll audits to ensure accuracy and proper duties separation.
• Maintain position control and ensure new hires are assigned to vacancies.
• Maintain updated job descriptions for active positions.
• Coordinate leaves of absence and ADA accommodations with confidentiality.
• Coordinate with payroll on leave balances and wage adjustments.
• Process employment verification forms for IPERS, DHS, DE, and banks.
• Support unemployment claim processes with required documentation.
• Generate employee data reports for audits and compliance.
• Assist Benefits Coordinator with open enrollment, payroll deductions, and leave accruals.
• Verify changes to direct deposit and tax withholding per controls.
• Provide backup HR/Business Services support and respond to inquiries.
• Collaborate to test and implement automated workflows.
• Coordinate annual cash-handling training and secure cash procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel records.
• Participate in professional development and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned by CFO or COO/HR.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Data entry

Organization

Education

Associate degree or certificate program

High school diploma

Tools

HRIS software

ERP software

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Google Workspace

Job description

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Human Resources/Payroll Specialist to serve as the operational liaison between HR and Business/Payroll. The role emphasizes cross-departmental HR, benefits, and payroll processes with strict attention to accuracy and compliance.

The position supports internal controls, staff training, and collaboration with leadership to ensure district-wide compliance with federal and state regulations.