Payroll Specialist II

Educational-Service-District-112; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Educational-Service-District-112 is seeking a Payroll Specialist II to provide payroll services for ESD112, its programs, and contracted districts, under the supervision of the Payroll Manager. This is a full-time, year-round role located in the Washington, DC area.

The position uses Skyward and WSIPC processes to manage direct deposits, warrants, W-2s, ACA data, and complex reconciliations, while ensuring accuracy and compliance with state guidelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience on computerized payroll system for a medium to large payroll (>350).
• Skilled in use of Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Experience processing payroll in a school district or government setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly and bi-monthly payrolls using Skyward; handle direct deposits and warrants.
• Reconcile time reports and leave; ensure accurate interfacing between timekeeping and payroll systems.
• Manage vendor/tax payable duties and quarterly unemployment/tax reporting.
• Create payroll reports using Skyward and Excel; maintain W-4s and payroll procedures.
• Implement WSIPC updates and regulatory changes; service contracted districts as needed.
• Respond to inquiries, provide payroll trainings, and maintain regular attendance.
• Maintain confidentiality and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Payroll system experience

Microsoft Excel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Accounting or Business Management

Tools

Skyward software

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist II is responsible for providing payroll services for ESD112, it's programs, and contracted school districts.

Salary:

The full salary range for this position is $70,200.00 - $85,404.80. Offers are made at the entry level of the range.

Assignment:

This position will be Full-Time, Year Round.

Regular attendance required:

employees are required to maintain regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.

This position will close on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Essential Functions:

1. Calculate, prepare and generate monthly and bi-monthly payrolls utilizing Skyward software as provided by Washington School Information Processing Cooperative (WSIPC). Process direct deposit of payroll (ACH) and physical warrants. Prepare and process sick leave buyback, VEBA cash outs, vacation cash-outs, or other special payment requests, as needed. Appropriately reconcile W-2 and ACA data. Prepare and process annual W-2s.
2. Review and manage reconciliations of time reports & leave, primarily in electronic spreadsheet system, but including paper timesheets, as appropriate. Ensure interface between timekeeping system(s) and payroll system is consistent and accurate.
3. Manage and reconcile assigned vendor/tax payable duties, including, but not limited to: state & federal taxes, vendor payables for annuities, DRS (retirement), unemployment, workers' compensation, health benefits, and maintenance and/or reporting from the electronic time sheet reporting system(s). If required, prepare and reconcile monthly deposits/reports, including quarterly reports for unemployment, workers' compensation, and federal and state taxes.
4. Create, prepare, and generate payroll reports using Skyward software and Excel spreadsheets, as required.
5. Maintain and update W-4s, payroll procedures and payroll forms. Ensure employee salaries, benefits, and assignments, including system calendars, agree to HR salary/benefit worksheets. Maintain record keeping and filing procedures in compliance with state and agency guidelines.
6. Implement system improvements as identified and released by WSIPC and changes required by regulation and/or policy changes.
7. As assigned, perform duties 1-6 above to provide payroll processing services to Districts contracting for payroll processing services, as applicable to the contractual agreement. Acquire & apply knowledge to manage unique processing requirements for assigned Districts (i.e., unions, health benefits, CBAs, etc.). Maintain positive working relationship with District business office staff and manage the delivery of services to be provided. Resolve issues that arise from payroll processing.
8. Respond to written, telephone, and walk-in inquiries on a timely basis.
9. Attend payroll trainings and assist in providing payroll-related training.
10. Maintain regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Other Functions:

1. Maintain confidentiality.
2. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Experience on computerized payroll system for a medium to large payroll (>350).
3. Skilled in use of Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

1. Associate's degree in Accounting or Business Management.
2. Experience processing payroll for a Washington government agency (DRS experience).
3. Experience working in a school district or ESD and ability to utilize Skyward software.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

1. Required to work in office environment often under frequent interruptions.
2. Able to operate/utilize computer, keyboard and 10-key calculator, phone system, copiers, printers and other office equipment to accomplish required tasks.
3. Able to perform stationary routine and repetitive functions for extended periods.
4. Regular attendance during scheduled work hours.

Employment Requirements - ESD job offer is contingent upon satisfying the following:

1. Successful completion of a criminal history fingerprint check through the Washington State Patrol.