Public Sector Payroll & Benefits Specialist

SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS; Sutton (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sutton Public Schools is seeking a 1.0 FTE Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to join both the Town of Sutton and the Sutton Public Schools. This newly expanded role consolidates payroll processing and HR support across two closely linked organizations under the Director of Human Resources.

The position requires ensuring accurate payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with state and federal regulations while coordinating with multiple departments and leaders.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting, business administration, human resources, or related field.
• Minimum of three years payroll processing experience; municipal/public-sector preferred.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts retirement systems (MTRS) preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll/financial software (Harpers & MUNIS preferred) and Excel.
• Strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines across two organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly and bi-weekly payroll for Town and School Department employees.
• Maintain payroll records for compliance with laws and bargaining agreements.
• Calculate and process payroll deductions and retirement contributions.
• Assist with reconciliation of payroll general ledger accounts and transmittals.
• Prepare payroll tax filings and reports (Forms 941, W-2, unemployment).
• Administer time/attendance system and train timekeepers.
• Track and administer employee leave accruals and balances (FMLA).
• Assist with benefits coordination and open enrollment; onboarding new hires.
• Support HR recruitment logistics and workers' comp/unemployment claims.
• Maintain confidential personnel/payroll files.

Skills

Payroll processing

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Multi-site coordination

Education

Associate's degree in accounting or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Harpers

MUNIS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Sutton Public Schools is seeking a 1.0 FTE Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to join both the Town of Sutton and the Sutton Public Schools. This newly expanded role consolidates payroll processing and HR support across two closely linked organizations under the Director of Human Resources.

The position requires ensuring accurate payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with state and federal regulations while coordinating with multiple departments and leaders.