Payroll Specialist

PINER-OLIVET UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Payroll Specialist at PINER-OLIVET UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT is a full-time, on-site role in Santa Rosa, CA. You will manage payroll for district employees, verify timesheets, calculate wages and deductions, and ensure timely payments while maintaining confidentiality and strict adherence to regulations.

You will collaborate with HR and Finance to resolve discrepancies, respond to payroll inquiries, and support audits and reporting, in a district-focused, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with payroll administration and processing across multiple pay cycles.
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, compliance, reporting, and record-keeping.
• Experience handling garnishments and other deductions.
• Proficiency with payroll software and Excel; strong spreadsheet and office skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process payroll for district employees accurately.
• Maintain payroll records and verify timesheets.
• Calculate wages and deductions and ensure timely payment through payroll systems.
• Contribute to audits and reporting; resolve payroll discrepancies with HR/Finance.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Payroll/accounting certification preferred

Tools

Payroll software systems

Excel

Job description

Company Description

PINER-OLIVET UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT is a public primary and secondary education provider serving students and families in Santa Rosa, California. Located at 3450 Coffey Lane, the district focuses on delivering high-quality, inclusive education in a supportive community environment. Team members work collaboratively to support student learning, staff development, and efficient school operations. The district values professionalism, equity, and service to the community, offering education professionals and support staff a stable and mission-driven workplace.

Role Description

The Payroll Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Santa Rosa, CA, responsible for accurately preparing and processing payroll for district employees. Day-to-day tasks include maintaining payroll records, verifying timesheets, calculating wages and deductions, and ensuring timely payment through the district’s payroll systems. The role involves handling payroll taxes, garnishments, and benefit-related deductions in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Specialist collaborates with HR and Finance staff to resolve payroll discrepancies, respond to employee payroll inquiries, and support audits and reporting. This position contributes directly to efficient district operations by maintaining accurate, confidential payroll information and adhering to district policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in payroll administration and payroll processing, with the ability to manage multiple pay cycles accurately.
• Knowledge of payroll taxes and related compliance requirements, including reporting and record-keeping.
• Experience handling garnishments and other court-ordered or statutory deductions within payroll services.
• Proficiency with payroll software systems, spreadsheets, and general office applications (e.g., Excel, word processing tools).
• Strong attention to detail, numerical accuracy, and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and customer service skills for working with staff at all levels and addressing payroll questions clearly.
• Understanding of basic accounting principles and internal controls; experience in public sector or school district settings is a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework or certification in payroll, accounting, or business administration preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly and to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team on-site.