Strategic Payroll & Benefits Coordinator

Iowa City Community School District; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa City Community School District is seeking a 1.0 FTE Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to manage complex payroll and benefits processes for district staff. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and supervises payroll specialists, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and district policies.

The successful candidate will hold an associate degree in accounting or a related field (bachelor's preferred), CPP certification, SBO eligibility, and at least five years of

Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting or business-related field required; bachelor's in accounting preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and SBO license eligibility.
• Minimum of five years of payroll experience.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll, data entry, GAAP, payroll guidelines and procedures.
• Proficient in electronic payroll management and time clock systems.
• Ability to maintain an efficient and effective records system.
• Knowledge of state and federal tax information, IPERS, Social Security, and other regulatory guidance affecting payroll.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional and technical duties related to payroll and benefits administration.
• Processes and oversees accurate gross-to-net payroll calculations in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Ensures payroll and benefits administration complies with federal and state laws, tax requirements, District policies, and established procedures.
• Administers employee benefit programs, including eligibility, enrollment, deductions, contributions, and related transactions.
• Researches, troubleshoots, and resolves complex or escalated payroll and benefits questions, discrepancies, and errors.
• Reviews payroll and benefits data to identify discrepancies, trends, or potential errors and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Coordinates with employees, Human Resources, Finance, benefit providers, and external vendors regarding payroll and benefits administration.
• Maintains accurate payroll and benefits data and monitors system processes and integrations to ensure data integrity.
• Develops, documents, maintains, and periodically reviews payroll and benefits procedures, workflows, and internal controls.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate controls to safeguard payroll and benefits information and ensure transactions are accurate and authorized.
• Identifies and recommends improvements to payroll and benefits processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and employee service.
• Implements and monitors approved changes to payroll and benefits processes, procedures, and systems.
• Maintains current knowledge of payroll, tax, retirement, wage and hour, and employee benefit requirements and assists with implementation of regulatory changes.
• Provides guidance and support to employees and supervisors regarding payroll, deductions, benefits, and related processes.
• Trains and supports staff and end users on payroll and benefits systems, procedures, timelines, and automated processes.
• Coordinates with benefit providers and external vendors to resolve issues involving eligibility, enrollment, deductions, contributions, plan provisions, and reconciliations.
• Assists with payroll and benefits audits by compiling documentation, responding to requests, researching discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions as appropriate.
• Administers employee benefit programs, including health, dental, life, disability, and other District-sponsored benefit programs.
• Provides guidance and consultation to employees, supervisors, principals, and administrators regarding benefits and leave programs, eligibility, procedures, and requirements.
• Maintains current knowledge of regulatory developments, industry trends, and best practices related to payroll, employee benefits, and leave administration.
• Supports District benefit planning and decision-making by researching benefit options, analyzing program information, and providing information or recommendations to District leadership as requested.

Skills

Payroll management

Regulatory compliance

Data entry

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Accounting or business-related field

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred)

CPP certification

SBO license eligibility

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Iowa City Community School District is seeking a 1.0 FTE Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to manage complex payroll and benefits processes for district staff. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and supervises payroll specialists, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and district policies.

The successful candidate will hold an associate degree in accounting or a related field (bachelor's preferred), CPP certification, SBO eligibility, and at least five years of