School Payroll Specialist: Accurate & Timely Pay

The Leona Group; Okemos (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance options

Short-term and long-term disability

401(k) and 401(k) Roth option

Paid time off, holidays

Employee assistance program

Professional development

Job summary

The Leona Group is seeking a detail‑oriented Payroll Specialist to manage payroll for exempt and non‑exempt staff across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The role emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and timely support for employees and school-based teams.

You will validate time data, audit payroll records, and coordinate with HR and vendors to ensure correct compensation. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential assets for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of payroll, HR, or related admin experience.
• Experience with payroll processes, compliance, and reporting.
• Experience using automated payroll/HRIS systems (Paylocity preferred).
• Strong attention to detail with accurate data entry and reconciliation.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Sheets, Docs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and resolve routine payroll issues.
• Experience with time and attendance systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll by reviewing and entering time records, adjustments, and benefits into the HRIS/payroll system.
• Audit payroll data regularly to ensure accuracy of wages, deductions, and records.
• Generate payroll reports and perform quality control checks prior to submission.
• Perform manual payroll adjustments and special calculations as needed.
• Coordinate leave of absence processing with HR and Benefits for accurate pay and tracking.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and professionally.
• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and time reporting.
• Collaborate with HR, school staff, and vendors to ensure timely payroll processing.
• Assist with annual payroll activities, including tax reporting and reconciliations.
• Conduct periodic PTO audits and coordinate annual payouts as per policy.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college coursework preferred

Tools

Paylocity

Google Workspace

Job description

The Leona Group is seeking a detail‑oriented Payroll Specialist to manage payroll for exempt and non‑exempt staff across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The role emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and timely support for employees and school-based teams.

You will validate time data, audit payroll records, and coordinate with HR and vendors to ensure correct compensation. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential assets for this position.