Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Burke County Schools Central Office - Morganton, North Carolina Open in Google Maps Job Details Starting Date: Dec 1, 2026 Job Description 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. Position Type: Full-Time Job Categories: Administration > Business/Finance Job Requirements Associate degree preferred. Citizenship, residency or work visa required. Contact Information Keith Lawson , Finance Officer Central Office Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr