Staff Accountant II

Staff Accountant IIGuadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers' educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.Position SummaryThe Staff Accountant II is a mid-level accounting professional responsible for independently owning the organization's payroll operations, payroll tax compliance, and related regulatory reporting. This role ensures payroll is processed accurately, on schedule, and in full compliance with federal and state requirements, while maintaining strong internal controls and audit-ready documentation.In addition to payroll ownership, this position serves as a key accounting operator for payroll-related general ledger activity, reconciliations, statutory deductions, and financial controls. The role also supports grant accounting compliance by reviewing coding, validating allocations, and ensuring proper treatment of restricted funds in accordance with grant agreements.This position plays a critical role in maintaining data integrity across payroll and accounting systems, supporting month-end close activities, and preparing schedules and documentation for internal and external audits.Reports To: VP ControllerSupervisory Responsibilities: Staff Accountant IDuties/Responsibilities:Payroll Administration & OversightManage full-cycle payroll processing and end-to-end payroll administrationEnsure payroll deadlines are met and payroll runs are executed accurately and on schedulePrepare and process year-end reporting, including W-2s and 1099s, ensuring accuracy and compliance with IRS and state requirementsPayroll Tax Compliance & ReportingPrepare, review, and submit federal and state payroll tax filingsEnsure compliance with all payroll tax regulations and reporting requirementsMonitor regulatory changes affecting payroll tax complianceGarnishments & Statutory DeductionsAdminister employee garnishments, including setup, calculation, and remittanceEnsure compliance with all court-ordered and statutory wage deductionsMaintain accurate records and reporting for garnishment activityGrant Compliance & OversightInterpret grant agreements and ensure proper accounting treatment in accordance with funding requirementsReview, validate, and approve grant coding and transactions entered by Staff Accountant IEnsure proper allocation of expenses to grants, projects, and funding sources prior to reporting or audit submissionPrepare and/or review grant financial reports, reimbursement requests, and required compliance filingsPerform detailed reconciliations between grant records, sub-ledgers, and the general ledgerServe as primary preparer for grant audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiriesIdentify compliance risks, restricted fund issues, or misallocations and escalate as appropriateReconciliations & Financial ControlsPerform monthly state tax reconciliations and resolve variancesReconcile payroll-related liability accounts, including benefits and insurance deductionsReconcile insurance billing statements to payroll benefit deductions and general ledger recordsPerform monthly bank statement reconciliations and investigate reconciling itemsManage purchasing card (P-card) controls, including maintenance of cardholder limits and system oversightSchedule and coordinate payment of the Arvest purchasing card statementReconcile all purchasing card activity (approximately 18 cards), ensuring proper coding, documentation, and policy complianceInvestigate and resolve payroll and accounting discrepanciesEnsure all reconciliations are completed in accordance with internal control standards and month-end close deadlinesPayroll Systems & Data IntegrityServe as system administrator for payroll platforms (TCP/SUI or equivalent)Perform mass import and setup of new and returning employees for new fiscal yearUpdate all benefit plans in the payroll system for the new benefit year, ensuring accurate deductions, eligibility settings, and plan configurationsMaintain data integrity across payroll systems and accounting recordsTroubleshoot payroll system issues and coordinate system updates or correctionsAccounting, Financial Reporting & Audit SupportAssist in the preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements, including supporting schedules and reconciliationsPerform advanced account reconciliations and financial analysis supportPrepare documentation and schedules for internal and external audits and compliance reviewsSupport month-end and year-end close activities related to payroll and general ledger accountsProvide supporting analysis for financial reporting accuracy and variance explanationsRequired Skills/Abilities:Strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirementsAbility to independently manage payroll cycles, tax filings, and statutory reporting obligationsStrong understanding of GAAP, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and month-end close processesProficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/payroll systemsStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and accountabilityAbility to work independently while maintaining confidentiality and professional judgmentEffective verbal and written communication skillsDemonstrates high integrity, confidentiality, and ethical judgment in handling sensitive financial and employee dataMaintains strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in all financial and payroll-related processesProactively identifies discrepancies, control gaps, and opportunities for process improvementDependable and accountable, consistently meeting deadlines without compromising qualityDemonstrates ownership of responsibilities and follows through on issues to resolutionMaintains composure and professionalism in high-pressure, time-sensitive payroll and close cyclesCollaborates effectively across accounting, HR, and operational teamsDemonstrates sound judgment in interpreting policies, procedures, and regulatory requirementsAdapts to changing priorities while maintaining control and organization of workloadEducation & ExperienceBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required3–5 years of progressive accounting experienceStrong experience in payroll processing, payroll tax filings, and compliance requiredPhysical Requirements:Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed.Application Process:Please complete an online application at Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit