Manager, Fiscal Services (Payroll)

San Jose Unified School District; California, Northern (MO, KY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

San José Unified is seeking a dynamic Manager of Payroll Services to oversee the district's payroll operations, ensure accurate and timely compensation, and maintain compliance with federal and state laws, CBAs, and district policies.

The role partners with Human Resources, Fiscal Services, and school sites to safeguard resources, review payroll data, train staff, and coordinate with auditors and retirement systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the processing of district payrolls to ensure timely and accurate compensation.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll laws, retirement reporting requirements, tax regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies.
• Implement and monitor payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard district resources and promote operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Fiscal Services, district departments, and school sites to ensure employee compensation data and benefits are accurate and properly authorized.
• Review, reconcile, and analyze payroll records, deductions, taxes, and related financial transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to payroll staff, fiscal services staff, and district employees regarding payroll processes, systems, and requirements.
• Prepare payroll-related reports, audits, and reconciliations and coordinate with auditors, governmental agencies, and retirement systems to ensure compliance with reporting and audit requirements.
• Provide support to Fiscal Services staff in daily operations

Job description

The impact you will have:

As a Manager – Classified in San José Unified. We seek a dynamic and experienced individual to fill the Manager of Payroll Services role. This position requires a dedicated professional who will work collaboratively with Human Resources, district administrators, and site staff to plan, organize, manage, and participate in the district's payroll operations. You will play a vital role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and timely while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies. The Manager of Payroll Services will supervise, review, and evaluate the performance of payroll personnel and foster a culture of accuracy, customer service, and continuous improvement. A more detailed job description is available at: https://sjusd.box.com/v/Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the processing of district payrolls, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for all employees.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state payroll laws, retirement reporting requirements, tax regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies.
• Implement and monitor payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard district resources and promote operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Fiscal Services, district departments, and school sites to ensure employee compensation data and benefits are accurate and properly authorized.
• Review, reconcile, and analyze payroll records, deductions, taxes, and related financial transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to payroll staff, fiscal services staff, and district employees regarding payroll processes, systems, and requirements.
• Prepare payroll-related reports, audits, and reconciliations and coordinate with auditors, governmental agencies, and retirement systems to ensure compliance with reporting and audit requirements.
• Provide support to Fiscal Services staff in daily operations

Who you are:

You are a strategic and results-driven leader who excels at building systems, leading teams, and driving continuous improvement. You bring strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to make sound, data-informed decisions. You are a collaborative communicator and trusted partner, committed to developing others, ensuring accountability, and delivering high-quality services that support students, staff, and the broader school community.

What you need for this position:

• Resume and letter of introduction outlining your desire and qualifications for this position
• Two (2) letters of reference from prior supervisors
• Current administrative experience preferred

SB 848 Child Safety & Employment Disclosure Requirement

Effective January 1, 2026, in accordance with California Senate Bill 848 (School Employee Misconduct/Child Abuse Prevention Act), applicants for employment with San José Unified are subject to enhanced child safety, training, and employment disclosure requirements.

Under SB 848, schools are required to strengthen background vetting procedures and obtain employment history information related to allegations of egregious misconduct involving students. Former employers may be contacted to release records regarding substantiated findings of misconduct as permitted by law. Failure to provide complete and accurate information regarding prior educational employment or relevant misconduct findings may result in disqualification from the hiring process or withdrawal of an offer of employment.

SB 848 also expands mandated reporter requirements and requires annual child abuse prevention training for employees and certain volunteers by July 1, 2026. All employees must comply with district-adopted child safety policies, including procedures for supervising and protecting students.

San José Unified is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and will review all disclosures and employment records in accordance with state law.

When will you hear back from us: Within seven days of applying, we will inform you if you will be moving forward in our hiring process and share next steps. If there is a delayed response, feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail].

Note to internal applicants:

• Even though we may have some information on file for you, we encourage you to submit a letter of introduction highlighting your qualifications and interest in this role, as well as any other information you would like to share.Where applicable, please also note which available location you are applying to.
• To be eligible to interview, you will need to be in good evaluation standing.