Payroll Specialist

PAYROLL SPECIALIST
Department: Finance
Position: Payroll Specialist
Reports To: Payroll Manager / Finance Director
Effective Date: December 1, 2026
POSITION PURPOSE
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for performing specialized payroll functions to support the
accurate and timely processing of payroll for Burke County Public Schools. The position reviews
payroll information submitted by schools and departments, processes payroll transactions and
adjustments, reconciles and remits employee deductions, and assists employees and school
bookkeepers with payroll-related questions.
The Payroll Specialist must maintain a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organization,
and attention to detail while ensuring payroll transactions are processed in accordance with
applicable federal and state requirements, Board policies, and district procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
? Review payroll information submitted by schools and departments for completeness and
accuracy.
? Identify discrepancies and make appropriate payroll and time adjustments as needed.
? Process monthly payrolls accurately and within established deadlines.
? Review and finalize payroll groups as part of the payroll processing cycle.
? Process information and calculate payments related to bonuses, supplements, longevity,
retirement, and termination payouts.
? Enter and maintain monthly amounts associated with various payroll deductions
? Balance employee payroll deductions and remit payments to applicable agencies and
vendors, including dental, vision, Colonial, garnishments, supplemental retirement, and
other authorized deductions.
? Prepare and submit required Employment Security Commission reports, Medicaid
Administrative Cost reports, and other detailed financial reports to authorized agencies.
? Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with
applicable requirements and district procedures.
? Assist school bookkeepers with payroll procedures, questions, corrections, and problem
resolution.
? Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, deductions, payments, and other
payroll-related matters in a professional and timely manner.
? Research payroll discrepancies and work with appropriate staff to resolve issues.
? Maintain the confidentiality of employee payroll, financial, and personally identifiable
information.


? Assist the Payroll Manager and Finance Department with payroll-related projects,
reconciliations, reporting, and year-end activities as needed.
? Maintain knowledge of applicable payroll procedures, regulations, state and federal laws,
district policies and procedures, and system requirements.
? Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Payroll Manager or Finance
Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
? Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Drive applications, with
particular proficiency in spreadsheets and worded documents.
? Knowledge of general payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, and financial recordkeeping
practices.
? Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple
responsibilities and meet established deadlines.
? Self-motivated and able to work independently while functioning effectively as part of the
Finance Department team.
? Ability to perform complex arithmetic computations accurately and efficiently.
? Ability to understand, interpret, and apply procedures, rules, regulations, and policies
governing payroll and fiscal transactions.
? Ability to review detailed financial and payroll information, identify discrepancies, and
make appropriate corrections.
? Ability to complete complex and repetitive tasks while maintaining a high level of
accuracy and attention to detail.
? Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive employee, payroll, and
financial information.
? Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and concisely in both oral and written
form.
? Ability to explain payroll procedures and resolve questions in a professional and
customer-service-oriented manner.
? Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school
administrators, bookkeepers, employees, Finance Department staff, vendors, and
outside agencies.
? Ability to work effectively under established deadlines, particularly during payroll
processing periods.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
? Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field
preferred.
? Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, finance, accounting,
bookkeeping, or a related field preferred.


? Experience processing payroll in a governmental, educational, or similarly complex
organization is preferred.
? Experience working with automated payroll, financial, or human resources information
systems is preferred.
? Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the
knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be
considered.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
? Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with the
requirements of the State of North Carolina.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Environment
The employee must be able to use a variety of standard office equipment, including computers,
scanners, copiers, calculators, and telephones. The position requires the ability to communicate
effectively both verbally and in writing. The employee must occasionally be able to lift, carry,
push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to thirty (30) pounds.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment. The employee will have
regular contact with district administrators, school administrators, bookkeepers, school system
employees, Finance and Human Resources staff, vendors, representatives of outside agencies,
and members of the community.
The position requires the ability to work accurately and efficiently under time-sensitive payroll
deadlines and may periodically require additional work during peak payroll, fiscal year-end,
calendar year-end, or other critical processing periods.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 12/01/2026
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities
assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive
inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of employees assigned to
this position. This job description may be revised by the supervisor, with Human Resources
review and approval, at any time.