Payroll & General Accounting Specialist

Payroll & General Accounting Specialist

Beacon College, an institution dedicated to uniquely serving students through an innovative, student-centered approach, is seeking a highly organized and service-focused Payroll & General Accounting Specialist. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the College's financial operations while supporting a collaborative, mission-driven campus environment.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll & General Accounting Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and a variety of general accounting activities, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close support. This position ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and College policies while maintaining the integrity of payroll and financial records. The role also provides excellent customer service and supports audits, reporting, and other accounting operations.

TITLE: Payroll & General Accounting Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Finance

WORK TYPE: Full-Time | Staff

LOCATION: Beacon College, Leesburg, Florida

FLSA: Salary Exempt

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:

GENERAL:

• Attend staff and administrative meetings and complete all appropriate training.
• Participate in formulating, streamlining, and implementing policies and procedures for the Accounting Department.
• Assist with special accounting projects.
• Perform account reconciliations as required for all areas related to your responsibility.
• All other duties as assigned.

PAYROLL:

• Process bi-weekly payroll for Faculty, Staff and Student employees. Responsible for using the company's payroll systems to calculate pay, including the appropriate deductions and taxes, based on the completed timecards.
• Validate work hours in the payroll timekeeping system.
• Maintain payroll information by collating, calculating, and entering data, resolving payroll discrepancies, and answering any employee payroll queries.
• The payroll processor must comply with all relevant tax laws and policies, provide exceptional customer service, and ensure all payroll-related and timekeeping processes and procedures are followed and maintained.
• Maintain all payroll operations according to company policies and procedures.
• Prepare journal entries for standard payroll (and related) transactions.

GENERAL ACCOUNTING:

• Prepare day-to-day accounting transactions within areas such as accounts payable, general ledger, bank transfers and fees, payroll, receipts, donations, and credit card/ACH entries.
• Responsible for the analysis of various general ledger accounts to determine accuracy and make necessary adjustments.
• Monthly bank statement reconciliations.
• Responsible for payroll, 403(b), and workers' compensation annual audits.
• Assist with fiscal month, quarter, and year end close.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Associate degree in Accounting or Business or equivalent experience
• Experience: 2+ years of accounting, or related experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience using Paycor system.
• Experience using Jenzabar software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in payroll processing and accounting.
• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Ability to collaborate with a team.
• Integrity and discretion when handling the company's financial and payroll data.
• Proficiency in accounting software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to multitask in a stressful environment with specific deadlines.
• Proficiency Excel and other Microsoft-based applications.
• Strong service orientation with a demonstrated ability to effectively meet the needs of and work collaboratively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, and public.

ENVIRONMENT:

This role operates in a professional office environment with regular interaction across campus and digital platforms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information This description is intended to outline the general scope of responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Beacon College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.