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Human Resources announces an opening for an Hourly Payroll Support with the Department of Finance.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES The Payroll Support assists with payroll operations for Arlington Public Schools (APS) within the centralized Department of Finance. The Department of Finance is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial transactions and reporting. This position performs paraprofessional payroll work involving the preparation, review, and verification of payroll data for semi-monthly payroll cycles. The incumbent assists with maintaining employee payroll records, processing payroll adjustments, verifying timecards and attendance data, and responding to employee inquiries related to pay, deductions, and tax withholdings. The Payroll Support applies payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and APS fiscal policies. The Payroll Support reports to the Payroll Director. The Payroll Support performs technical payroll functions, prepares reconciliations, and ensures compliance with established payroll standards and practices. The position supports audit and year-end activities, identifies opportunities for process improvements, and provides payroll support to departments and schools as needed. The incumbent requires a solid understanding of payroll processes, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a large, diverse public sector organization.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Payroll Support is a non-supervisory paraprofessional position within the Department of Finance responsible for performing technical payroll work in support of district-wide payroll operations. This position focuses on the accurate and timely processing of payroll data, ensuring compliance with applicable wage and tax regulations and APS fiscal policies. The role requires strong technical aptitude and sound judgment in managing payroll processes that support the integrity of the school division's payroll systems and employee records. Unlike senior-level payroll or accounting positions, this role emphasizes data entry, verification, and employee support rather than complex financial analysis or policy development. This position serves as a key support resource for the payroll team and contributes by independently carrying out assignments, resolving routine payroll issues, and supporting the Department of Finance in maintaining reliable and accurate payroll operations across the district.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assists in the accurate and timely preparation and processing of semi-monthly payroll cycles for all APS employees. Reviews and verifies employee timecards, attendance records, leave balances, and payroll data to ensure accuracy prior to payroll submission. Enters and updates payroll information in the payroll system, including tax withholdings, voluntary deductions, garnishments, and direct deposit
changes. Processes payroll adjustments such as retroactive pay, overtime corrections, stipends, and supplemental payments as directed by the Payroll Director. Responds to employee inquiries regarding pay statements, deductions, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and payroll policies in a timely and professional manner.
Maintains accurate and confidential payroll records, ensuring all employee files and documentation are current and properly organized. Assists with payroll reconciliation activities, including verifying payroll totals, benefit deductions, and tax remittances against general ledger accounts. Supports year-end payroll activities including the preparation, review, distribution, and reprinting of W-2 forms and related tax documents. Coordinates with the Human Resources and Finance teams to resolve payroll discrepancies, verify employment status changes, and ensure accurate benefit and deduction processing. Monitors and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and reporting obligations. Assists with internal and external payroll audits by gathering supporting documentation and responding to auditor requests. Generates standard and ad hoc payroll reports as requested by the Payroll Director or other authorized personnel. Participates in process improvement initiatives to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery. Performs other related payroll duties as required or assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of payroll processes, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations.
• Understanding of payroll tax withholdings, deduction types, and direct deposit processing.
• Skill in reviewing, verifying, and entering payroll data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply payroll policies, procedures, and regulations to routine payroll transactions.
• Proficiency in using payroll software, HRIS systems, spreadsheets, and databases to process transactions and generate reports.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to respond effectively to employee payroll inquiries and collaborate with HR, Finance, and departmental staff.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion and in compliance with applicable privacy regulations.
• Skill in identifying and resolving routine payroll discrepancies and escalating complex issues appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. An associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of one to three years of administrative, payroll support, or related experience preferred. Must have experience working with payroll data, employee records, and time and attendance systems. Experience in a public sector, education, or government setting is a plus.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: No professional certification is required. Certification such as Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) through the American Payroll Association is preferred but not required.
PREFERRED SKILLS
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP and Oracle or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, wage and hour laws, and multi-state tax regulations.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data validation for payroll analysis.
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms and electronic timekeeping systems.
• Ability to adapt to new payroll technologies and procedural changes.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Standard office environment within the Department of Finance.
• May require additional hours during payroll processing periods, year-end reporting, or audit cycles.
• Primarily sedentary work with regular use of computers, payroll systems, and standard office equipment.
Pay Rate: $34.53 per hour. This is an hourly, non-exempt position.
Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations - Equal Employment Opportunity - that "Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability."