Staff Accountant II

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system serving more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students are Latinx, many bilingual or English learners, and our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Benefits Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires) Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy) Mental health and well‑being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff) Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage Position Summary The 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. The role ensures payroll is processed accurately and on schedule, maintains strong internal controls and audit‑ready documentation, and supports grant accounting compliance. Responsibilities Manage full‑cycle payroll processing and end‑to‑end payroll administration Ensure payroll deadlines are met and runs are executed accurately and on schedule Prepare and process year‑end reporting, including W‑2s and 1099s, ensuring accuracy and compliance with IRS and state requirements Prepare, review, and submit federal and state payroll tax filings; monitor regulatory changes Administer employee garnishments, ensuring compliance with court‑ordered and statutory wage deductions Interpret grant agreements and ensure proper accounting treatment in accordance with funding requirements Review, validate, and approve grant coding and transactions entered by Staff Accountant I Maintain proper allocation of expenses to grants, projects, and funding sources prior to reporting or audit submission Prepare and/or review grant financial reports, reimbursement requests, and required compliance filings; perform reconciliations between grant records, sub‑ledgers, and the general ledger Serve as primary preparer for grant audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries Perform monthly state tax reconciliations and resolve variances; reconcile payroll‑related liability accounts, benefits, insurance deductions, and bank statements Manage purchasing card (P‑card) controls, including maintenance of cardholder limits and system oversight; reconcile all P‑card activity and schedule payment of statements Serve as system administrator for payroll platforms (TCP/SUI or equivalent); perform mass import and setup of new and returning employees for new fiscal year Update all benefit plans in the payroll system for the new benefit year and maintain data integrity across payroll systems and accounting records Assist in the preparation of monthly and year‑end financial statements, supporting schedules, and reconciliations; provide supporting analysis for financial reporting accuracy and variance explanations Support month‑end and year‑end close activities related to payroll and general ledger accounts Required Skills/Abilities Strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements Ability to independently manage payroll cycles, tax filings, and statutory reporting obligations Strong understanding of GAAP, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and month‑end close processes Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/payroll systems Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and accountability Ability to work independently while maintaining confidentiality and professional judgment Effective verbal and written communication skills Demonstrates high integrity, confidentiality, and ethical judgment in handling sensitive financial and employee data Maintains strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in all financial and payroll‑related processes Proactively identifies discrepancies, control gaps, and opportunities for process improvement Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting deadlines without compromising quality Collaborates effectively across accounting, HR, and operational teams Adapts to changing priorities while maintaining control and organization of workload Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience Strong experience in payroll processing, payroll tax filings, and compliance required Physical 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 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, and we prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination. #J-18808-Ljbffr