Payroll & Benefits Accountant

Sylvania; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Mason Public Schools is recruiting a Payroll & Benefits Accountant to support accounting, payroll, and reporting functions. The role involves detailed payroll reviews, data integrity, and cross-training across business office duties.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the position supports annual audits, prepares key payroll reports and tax filings, and coordinates benefits enrollment while maintaining confidential records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience administering payroll and/or benefits, preferably in a school district environment.
• Strong understanding of MS Excel and Word; ability to use financial software.

Responsibilities

• Review and balance payroll, investigate discrepancies, and correct account numbers.
• Process electronic payroll and tax payments, and ensure accuracy.
• Prepare payroll reports and government forms; assist audits.
• Cross-train on Business Office duties and provide back-up as needed.
• Assist with staff orientation and respond to payroll/retirement questions.

Skills

Payroll experience

Excel & Word

Analytical ability

Communication

Discretion

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or equivalent

SBO/School Payroll cert preferred

Tools

Payroll software

Financial management systems

Timekeeping system

Job description

Position:

Payroll & Benefits Accountant

Building:

Central Office / Mason Public Schools / In-Person

Reports to:

Chief Financial Officer

About MasonPublic Schools:

Located in the heart of Michigan, minutes from the State Capitol and Michigan State University, Mason Public Schools serves more than 3,200 students across six school buildings. A team of 500 talented educators and support staff serve our schools, exhibiting a high level of commitment to our students. Mason Public Schools is proudly supported by our community through the Mason Public Schools Foundation and the approval of a bond to improve classrooms, safety, transportation, technology, facility infrastructure, and furniture and equipment.

Your journey starts here:

Every Student. Every Day.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI):

Through authentic learning opportunities, Mason Public Schools is committed to an inclusive environment. Our students, staff, and communityrespectfully acknowledge and value the diverse cultures,lifestyles, experiences, perspectives, and identities of each other.

Job Summary:

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for assisting with the district’s accounting, payroll, and reporting requirements. This includes reviewing and analyzing information, preparing internal and external payroll reports, properly monitoring payroll and attendance data, assisting with audits, and maintaining electronic records. This position will cross train on other business office roles and serve as an alternate when needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Michigan School Business Officials Business Office Specialist Certification, School Payroll Specialist or higher preferred (or a willingness to obtain).
• Strong understanding of K-12 accounting principles, including MDE Bulletin 1022 – Michigan Public School Accounting Manual, chart of accounts and account code associations.
• Experience administering payroll and/or benefits, preferably in a school district environment.
• Ability to use district technology and maintain proficiency with changing technology and software.
• Experience and aptitude in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word required.
• Experience in the use of financial management systems required.
• Strong analytical and mathematical aptitude required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally and electronically.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work as an effective team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and apply discretion in decision-making.
• Ability to handle a variety of responsibilities with attention to detail and minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with board policies and established administrative guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet required deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a team and demonstrate a history of dependability, professionalism, and excellent attendance
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Perform detailed review of each payroll including balancing, reviewing account numbers for accuracy, and investigating and correcting any discrepancies.
• Analyze and process electronic payroll and tax payments and involuntary.
• Develop and streamline processes by implementing electronic collections forms.
• Analyze Change of Status Forms from Human Resources for accuracy and update electronic records.
• Understand and review adjusting journal entries for accuracy and prepare as needed.
• Learn and analyze payroll systems and procedures.
• Assist with new staff orientation as needed and serve as a resource to all staff for payroll and retirement questions.
• Train staff on payroll processes, including accurate use of electronic timekeeping system.
• Timely and accurate compilation of data and response to requesting agencies, the Office of Retirement Services, Internal Revenue Service, and Unemployment Insurance Agency. Review to ensure district payment balances match government balances and investigate any discrepancies.
• Prepare local, state and federally mandated reports, including but not limited to Forms W-2, Forms 941, Quarterly Medicaid Reports, and Annual Facility Settlement Report.
• Investigate areas where efficiencies may exist and implement process improvements.
• Analyze account numbers for accuracy and update records as needed.
• Assist with the preparation of the district’s annual financial statement audit by recording year-end accrual transactions and preparing reports and schedules as needed.
• Understand and stay up to date on GASB pronouncements related to payroll and retirement.
• Assist in developing and implementing internal controls for payroll.
• Cross-train on Business Office procedures including Accounts Payable to provide back-up.
• Enroll employees and implement payroll deductions for IRS section 125 Health and Dependent Care reimbursement and 403(b) and 457 deferred compensation deductions.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment process and manage all annual benefit enrollment changes and records for health, dental, vision, life, universal life, long-term disability and all other optional insurance plans.
• Evaluate and payment of all insurance and withholdings for staff, including reconciling and processing
• Educate staff on benefits options, including priding in-person support and electronic resources
• Analyze and process transactions needed for voiding, reissuing checks and ACH transaction.
• Maintain a working knowledge of union and individual employee contracts.
• All other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires long periods of computer work, standing, sitting, and walking.
• The position requires occasional lifting of supplies.
• Work may include some travel to other schools or locations.

Schedule:

• Full-Time
• Monday - Friday
• 12 months per year

Compensation:

• $56,619 - $75,594 annually, based on experience.

Benefits:

• Annually: 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days (including 2 personal days)
• Health (four plan options available), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, and optional supplemental insurance

Deadline:

September 30, 2026