Payroll & Benefits Specialist — Public School, Growth & Benefits

BelovED Community & Empowerment Academy Charter Schools; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Empowerment Academy Charter School seeks an Assistant Payroll and Benefits Clerk to support payroll, benefits, and personnel records under the School Business Administrator. This is a non-instructional, non-certificated role in New Jersey.

The position covers semi-monthly payroll processing, confidential records, benefits enrollment, new-hire setup, data reconciliation, audits, and compliance with federal and NJ laws. Salary range is $60,000–$70,000.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of experience in payroll processing, benefits administration, bookkeeping, or clerical work; school experience preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS software and Microsoft Office; Paychex/ADP/Frontline/PowerSchool a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to pass NJ criminal history and CARI background checks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and processing of semi-monthly payroll for all staff.
• Maintain confidential payroll and benefits records per policy and law.
• Assist enrollment and changes in health/dental/vision plans with vendors.
• Process new hire payroll and benefits setup, status changes, garnishments, and direct deposits.
• Reconcile payroll data with timekeeping, HRIS, and GL; resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare payroll tax filings, W-2s, and ACA reporting; ensure IRS/NJ compliance.
• Respond to employee pay and benefits inquiries with confidentiality.
• Track leave balances and compliance with NJ Earned Sick Leave, FMLA/NJFLA.
• Support audits, NJDOE and pension reporting with required documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and personnel information.

Skills

Payroll processing

Benefits administration

Recordkeeping

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Paychex

ADP

Frontline

PowerSchool

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Empowerment Academy Charter School seeks an Assistant Payroll and Benefits Clerk to support payroll, benefits, and personnel records under the School Business Administrator. This is a non-instructional, non-certificated role in New Jersey.

The position covers semi-monthly payroll processing, confidential records, benefits enrollment, new-hire setup, data reconciliation, audits, and compliance with federal and NJ laws. Salary range is $60,000–$70,000.