Payroll and Benefits Accounting Manager

Payroll & Benefits Accounting Manager Full‑Time, Exempt, Staff position Location: Los Angeles, CA (hybrid) Reports to: Associate Director of Finance

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1929, John Thomas Dye School (JTD) is a private, non‑sectarian, co‑educational elementary school in Los Angeles, California. The school serves 336 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 with approximately 85 full‑time faculty and staff. JTD is located on an 11‑acre campus in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The school is at a pivotal moment as it embarks on a transformative capital campaign and construction project.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General Accounting Maintain monthly reconciliations and supporting schedules for all bank and investment accounts. Prepare journal entries for cash, treasury, and investment activity. Support cash flow reporting and analysis. Assist the Associate Director of Finance with the monthly and year‑end close process including preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, reports, and roll‑forward schedules. Ensure adherence to internal controls and established accounting procedures. Support the Associate Director of Finance with the annual financial audit and tax return preparation. Support the Associate Director of Finance with the worker’s compensation audit. Serve as Accounts Payable backup as needed. Payroll Processing and Compliance Manage the full payroll cycle, including semi‑monthly payroll processing, payroll journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, quarterly Form 941 reconciliations, and reporting. Oversee employee time & attendance and time‑off systems to ensure accuracy and timely processing. Support employee inquiries in coordination with HR and ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Review employee timesheets for accuracy, confirm supervisor approvals, and monitor time‑off requests for each semi‑monthly payroll cycle to ensure timely payroll processing. Coordinate with authorized approvers as needed. Manage the payroll database benefit file transfers, including EDI feeds, and 403(b) Plan TPA transfer files. Transmit 403(b) Plan contributions for each payroll cycle and ensure compliance with regulations and Plan rules. Maintain and update the Payroll database to support all payroll functions: earnings/deduction/tax codes, employee time schedules, pay cycles, and payroll calendar. Ensure accuracy and timeliness of employee payroll reporting including pay statements and Form W2. Partner with the Human Resources Manager on payroll‑related reporting, data changes, and compliance matters. Benefits Accounting and Monthly Bill Reconciliation Perform comprehensive monthly reconciliations of all benefit invoices against payroll reports to identify and resolve billing or enrollment variances; prepare corresponding general ledger journal entries and ensure all benefit‑related financial data is accurate and audit‑ready. Manage the annual 403(b) plan audit by serving as the primary liaison between the Business Office and all key stakeholders. This includes coordinating and facilitating audit requests from the Human Resources Manager, the third‑party administrator (TPA), and TIAA (Plan Sponsor/Provider). Ensure the accuracy and timely delivery of all general financial and payroll data, including the verification of plan contributions, compliance with Plan rules, and the reconciliation of payroll database benefit file transfers. Manage benefit‑related non‑discrimination testing. Support Human Resources with benefit‑related compliance matters.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field or possess equivalent relevant experience. 5+ years of accounting and payroll experience required. Experience in an independent school or non‑profit setting is preferred. Demonstrated proficiency in full‑cycle payroll administration and processing. HRIS platform experience required. Direct ADP experience is required. Strong time‑management skills and the ability to navigate conflicting priorities effectively. Proficiency with required technology and software including Blackbaud (dual‑entry accounting software), MacOS, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and cloud‑based software solutions. Intermediate to advanced spreadsheet skills required (Google Sheets and Excel). Critical thinking with strong attention to detail; identify problems, resolve issues, and make thoughtful recommendations. Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Maintain and secure sensitive and confidential information in verbal, written, printed, and electronic formats. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines. Communicate effectively, empathetically, and professionally (both verbally and in writing) with faculty, staff, vendors, parents, guests, and visitors. Show a commitment to fostering a positive school community, collaborating with colleagues, and supporting the broader mission of the School.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation $85,000 to $95,000 based on experience. Comprehensive benefits. Exempt, Full‑Time, Staff position.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your resume and LinkedIn profile to View email address on click.appcast.io. Indicate in the subject line: "JTD, Payroll & Benefits Accounting Manager Application, [Insert Your First and Last Name]". #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools