Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Edina Public Schools, home of the Hornets, is a dynamic learning community delivering educational excellence and preparing all students to realize their full potential. Through academics, activities, and opportunities, we encourage creativity, foster curiosity, and develop critical thinking skills. We support every student's educational journey by creating a caring and inclusive school culture that supports the whole student. Our vision is for each and every student to discover their possibilities and thrive. More than 8,600 diverse student learners are provided an exceptional education experience throughout the district's early learning center, six elementary schools (K- Grade 5) including both French and Spanish Immersion programs, two middle schools (Grades 6-8), a high school (9-12), and the Edina Virtual Pathway online program.

Payroll Specialist

Location: District-wide | Status: Non - Exempt | Schedule: 40 Hours/Week (MF), 12 months position

Position Summary: With the focus to support and advance the Edina Public Schools' mission, vision, and core values, the Payroll Specialist, under the guidance of the Payroll Manager, provides support for the district by assisting with financial processes, maintaining accurate payroll records and processing payroll data. Ensures payroll activities are completed accurately, timely and in accordance with district policies and applicable state and federal regulations while providing responsive support to district employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll and Financial Processing

• Processes payroll and related financial data accurately and in accordance with established procedures, and timelines.
• Reconciles payroll records and financial transactions to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepares journal entries within the district's financial system to appropriately allocate and transfer payroll-related expenditures.
• Verifies payroll information and supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to payroll processing.

Payroll Systems and Records Management

• Administers the district's electronic timekeeping system, including reviewing employee time records and supporting accurate and timely submissions.
• Maintains accurate and confidential payroll records, databases, files, and supporting documentation.
• Reviews reports, correspondence, records, and other payroll related documents for accuracy.
• Safeguards sensitive employee, payroll and financial information in accordance with district policies and data privacy requirements.

Budgeting, Reporting and Financial Analysis

• Develops payroll cost analyses and worksheets to support labor negotiations, collective bargaining, and district financial planning.
• Calculates projected salary and benefit expenditures used in the development of the district's base payroll budget.
• Compiles payroll and financial data for reports, analysis and review by the Payroll Manager.
• Monitors payroll related financial information to identify discrepancies, trends, or issues requiring further investigation.

Employee and Administrative Support

• Responds to employee inquiries regarding payroll, timekeeping, leave banks and related matters; researches concerns and refers complex issues to the appropriate staff member when necessary.
• Communicates with district offices, departments, employees, and outside agencies to coordinate activities and exchange payroll related information when necessary.
• Provides clerical, administrative, and project support to the Payroll Manager and other district staff, as needed.
• Assists employees and visitors to the Business Office by providing professional, courteous and responsive customer service.
• Manages incoming telephone calls, voicemails, emails and responds to them in a timely manner.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

• Communicates the district's vision, mission, core values and beliefs and provides professional expertise and assistance to individuals, other district staff, and the community concerning areas of expertise and knowledge.
• Attends training sessions, conferences, seminars, district, and departmental meetings. Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies.
• Regular, reliable in-person attendance, punctuality, and adherence to the established work schedule are essential functions of this position.

Essential Skills Required to Perform Position Duties

• Demonstrating a collaborative, customer service mindset.
• Establishing and maintaining professional and courteous working relationships.
• Ensuring the use of culturally proficient communications and demonstrating an interest in working with diverse, multicultural members of the district and community.
• Using judgement and discretion in handling issues in accordance with district policies.
• Demonstrating intermediate computer proficiency and the ability to effectively use job related software and technology.
• Utilizing advanced Microsoft Office skills to prepare, maintain, and analyze payroll related information
• Entering data efficiently and accurately using a computer, keyboard, calculator and other office equipment.
• Applying knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Performing complex mathematical calculations with accuracy.
• Maintaining strong attention to detail and a consistent high level of accuracy.
• Prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and meeting established deadlines.
• Communicating clearly and professionally with employees, supervisors and other stakeholders.
• Collaborating effectively with colleagues and district departments to address payroll related needs.
• Following written and verbal instructions, established procedures, and applicable policies.

Minimum Work Requirements

Education/Experience Requirements Associate's degree, and a minimum of three (3) years experience in payroll or related field.

Physical Position Requirements

Hazardous Working Conditions Duties are performed in a typical school/office environment where there are minimal environmental hazards and risks associated with performing the requirements of the job.

Work Environment Duties involve performing assignments in typical indoor conditions. Employee will sometimes work in a high-noise environment, and sustained periods of elevated sounds level.

Physical Activities

Activity Time Spent Stand Occasionally (1-33%) Walk Occasionally (1-33%) Sit Frequently (34-67%) Use hands to finger, handle, or feel Continuously (68-100%) Reach with hands and arms Occasionally (1-33%) Climb or balance None (0%) Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl None (0%) Talk or hear Continuously (68-100%) Taste or smell None (0%) Lift, Carry, Exert Up to 10 pounds Frequently (34-67%) Lift, Carry, Exert Up to 25 pounds Occasionally (1-33%) Lift, Carry, Exert Up to 50 pounds None (0%) Lift, Carry, Exert Up to 100 pounds None (0%)

Classification History

Job description revised by ISD 273 Human Resources in August 2026.

Minnesota Service Cooperatives