Payroll/Benefits Specialist

Lynden School District; Lynden (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Lynden School District is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to ensure accurate, on-time payroll and reliable benefits support. You will maintain payroll and benefits records, apply district procedures, and coordinate with HR, Finance, schools, and state agencies.

The role requires handling sensitive information with discretion and providing clear, accurate responses to employee questions while supporting year-end reporting and benefits enrollment through SEBB and related programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible payroll/benefits experience.
• Experience with payroll systems and spreadsheets.
• Ability to calculate and verify pay, deductions, and reconciliations accurately.
• Ability to interpret schedules, contracts, and district procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for certificated, classified, substitute, supplemental, and temporary employees.
• Review time off, leave, absences, stipends, salary changes, deductions and adjustments; correct discrepancies promptly.
• Interpret collective bargaining agreements, contracts, and district procedures when calculating pay.
• Reconcile payroll records and benefit contributions with Finance.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support year-end processes.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll systems

Financial reconciliation

Data confidentiality

Employee communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Skyward (Qmlativ)

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, the Payroll and Benefits Specialist ensures that district employees are paid accurately and on time and receive clear, reliable support with their benefits. This position maintains payroll and benefits records, applies union agreements and district procedures, coordinates required reporting, and works closely with Human Resources, Finance, schools, and state agencies. The specialist handles sensitive employee information with discretion and resolves questions with accuracy and care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process payroll for certificated, classified, substitute, supplemental, and temporary employees according to district calendars, contracts, and approved records.
• Review and enter time off, leave, absences, additional pay, stipends, salary changes, deductions, and adjustments. Research discrepancies and make corrections promptly.
• Interpret applicable collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, salary schedules, and district procedures when calculating pay. Refer questions requiring a policy or contract interpretation to the appropriate administrator.
• Reconcile payroll records, deductions, benefit contributions, and related accounts in coordination with Finance.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support year-end processes, including employee tax forms and audit requests.
• Administer employee enrollment and changes for the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program and other district benefit programs.
• Review benefit eligibility, provide required notices, maintain enrollment records, and assist employees with benefit questions and deadlines.
• Coordinate retirement enrollment, contributions, and reporting with the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), including records for substitutes and retirees returning to work.
• Coordinate payroll deductions and reporting related to Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave, WA Cares, workers’ compensation, and other applicable programs.
• Maintain accurate employee information in district payroll and human resources systems. Reconcile data across systems and correct errors in partnership with HR and Finance.
• Prepare or support required state and federal reports, including payroll-related information used for OSPI personnel reporting.
• Explain pay statements, deductions, leave balances, benefit elections, and payroll timelines to employees in a clear and respectful manner.
• Develop and maintain written procedures, calendars, and checks that support accurate and timely payroll and benefits administration.
• Protect confidential personnel, payroll, medical, and benefits information in accordance with district procedures and applicable law.
• Cross-train on specific Human Resources integrated tasks and complete specific Human Resources tasks as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular computer use, frequent communication with employees, and concentrated work during payroll and reporting deadlines. The district will consider reasonable accommodations that enable a qualified individual to perform the essential functions of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, benefits administration, accounting, human resources, or a closely related field.
• Experience using payroll or human resources information systems and spreadsheets.
• Ability to calculate and verify pay, deductions, and reconciliations accurately.
• Ability to interpret detailed rules and agreements, meet firm deadlines, maintain confidential records, and communicate effectively with employees.
• Computer proficiency (word processing, spreadsheets, and Skyward (Qmlativ)).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree or additional coursework in accounting, business administration, human resources, or related field.
• Payroll or benefits experience in a Washington school district or other public agency.
• Experience with SEBB, DRS retirement systems, Washington leave and payroll programs, OSPI personnel reporting, and Skyward (Qmlativ) or a comparable system.
• Experience applying collective bargaining agreements and varied school employee work calendars.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate can organize competing deadlines, identify discrepancies, research unfamiliar requirements, and explain complex pay or benefit matters in plain language. They work effectively with employees, administrators, union representatives, and agency contacts; exercise sound judgment with confidential information; and adapt procedures when requirements or district practices change.