Payroll Director

Payroll Manager

Manages the payroll processes for the Springfield Public Schools and the City of Springfield. Provides external reporting to state and federal authorities for employees' gross wages and benefits. Works closely with Human Resources to be certain that employees are paid both timely and accurately.

Essential Functions

The above position is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all –inclusive of every task or responsibility. The description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Springfield Public Schools and the employee and is subject to change by the Springfield Public Schools as the needs and requirements of the job change.

• Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and, making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Directs the activities of the department, which include planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.
• Provides detailed analysis of employees by non bargaining and bargaining unit for compliance with contracts for rates of pay. Reviews individuals on a regular basis for payroll anomalies.
• Reviews each payroll for City and SPS each week proir to posting from an overall balancing perspective to make sure pay and deduction amounts appear reasonable.
• Provides daily maintenance of the Employee Self Service Module. Reviews and responds appropriately to employee concerns with compensation, profile concerns, and general system access to reduce the number of phone calls for general information.
• Verifies payroll data and submission to MA State Teachers' Retirement System monthly.
• Balances and files Form 941 for the DOR and IRS quarterly, balances and filies Form W2 with employees, DOR and SSA at year end. Balances and files DUA for unemployment data quarterly.
• Performs related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Access and Munis table and data structure and reporting requirements
• Knowledge of Munis HR/Payroll and TimeClock Plus (TCP) time and attendance systems
• Knowledge of teacher contracts and retirement eligibility
• Knowledge of Federal and State labor laws
• Ability to read and understand contracts
• Ability to analyze and make sense of misapplied logic
• Ability to use Excel to construct pivot tables
• Ability to assemble pay rules and identify potential problems
• Ability to respond appropriately to poorly worded requests
• Ability to compile and review data from various perspectives and maintain data integrity
• Ability to identify calculation errors and make corrective actions
• Ability to supervise and evaluate employees
• Ability to prioritize and assign work
• Ability to balance competing requirements and needs of client organizations
• Ability to develop and write reports, policies, and correspondence
• Ability to handle common inquiries or complaints
• Ability to respond to questions from students, faculty, staff, and visitors
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to use (or learn to use) computer software and systems applicable to the position
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data and prepare accurate records
• Ability to compare data from a variety of sources for accuracy and completeness
• Ability to organize large volumes of detailed data and information
• Ability to verify and maintain accuracy of detailed data and information, detect data errors
• Ability to maintain well-organized materials, files, systems and tools
• Ability to adapt to changes in work situations and priorities
• Ability to reason/analyze; use logic to identify and resolve problems
• Ability to evaluate, organize, and summarize data and information
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive and cooperative interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, or managers in the work unit and other departments, as well as with staff of outside entities and other individuals, as applicable to the essential duties and responsibilities

CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Skill in utilizing interpersonal skills to relate and interact with a diverse population
• Skill in detail-oriented planning and able to set priorities, objectives, and meet deadlines
• Ability to provide positive and effective customer service
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate new methods and procedures
• Ability to work independently or as a member of a team
• Ability to apply listening skills, work under pressure, address conflict and solve problems
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret standard, policies, procedures and regulations
• Ability to effectively present information using attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, such as a computer keyboard, monitor, copies, scanners, and telephone
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a complex and demanding payroll, accounting, finance, or related environment required with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.