Accounting Specialist III/Payroll
Benton School District, Benton, AR, United States
Accounting Specialist III/Payroll
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Finance / Business Manager
Location: Benton School District Administrative Office
Job Summary
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for classified Benton School District employees. This position ensures compliance with district policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal and Arkansas state laws and reporting requirements. The Payroll Specialist must demonstrate strong attention to detail, maintain confidentiality, and provide excellent customer service to district staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Process payroll for all district employees, including classified, and support staff, in accordance with established payroll schedules
Maintain and update payroll records, including contracts, salary schedules, deductions, and benefits
Verify and audit timesheets, leave records, and supplemental pay for accuracy and completeness
Calculate wages, overtime, and extra-duty pay
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including FLSA, IRS guidelines, and Arkansas Department of Education requirements
Process and reconcile payroll deductions
Prepare and submit required reports to state and federal agencies
Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, benefits, and leave balances in a professional and timely manner
Collaborate with Human Resources and campus staff to ensure accurate employee data and contract information
Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and personnel information
Assist with internal and external audits by providing requested documentation
Stay current on changes in payroll laws, school finance, and Arkansas reporting requirements
Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Human Resources
Qualifications
Associate's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field required (Bachelor's degree preferred)
Minimum of 23 years of payroll or accounting experience; public school or governmental experience preferred
Knowledge of Arkansas school finance and payroll procedures preferred
Experience with financial/payroll software systems (e.g., eFinance, APSCN, or similar) preferred
Familiarity with ATRS reporting requirements preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
Ability to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple priorities
Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
Terms of Employment
240-day contract
Salary based on Benton School District classified salary schedule
Benefits in accordance with district policy
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Finance / Business Manager
Location: Benton School District Administrative Office
Job Summary
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for classified Benton School District employees. This position ensures compliance with district policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal and Arkansas state laws and reporting requirements. The Payroll Specialist must demonstrate strong attention to detail, maintain confidentiality, and provide excellent customer service to district staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Process payroll for all district employees, including classified, and support staff, in accordance with established payroll schedules
Maintain and update payroll records, including contracts, salary schedules, deductions, and benefits
Verify and audit timesheets, leave records, and supplemental pay for accuracy and completeness
Calculate wages, overtime, and extra-duty pay
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including FLSA, IRS guidelines, and Arkansas Department of Education requirements
Process and reconcile payroll deductions
Prepare and submit required reports to state and federal agencies
Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, benefits, and leave balances in a professional and timely manner
Collaborate with Human Resources and campus staff to ensure accurate employee data and contract information
Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and personnel information
Assist with internal and external audits by providing requested documentation
Stay current on changes in payroll laws, school finance, and Arkansas reporting requirements
Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Human Resources
Qualifications
Associate's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field required (Bachelor's degree preferred)
Minimum of 23 years of payroll or accounting experience; public school or governmental experience preferred
Knowledge of Arkansas school finance and payroll procedures preferred
Experience with financial/payroll software systems (e.g., eFinance, APSCN, or similar) preferred
Familiarity with ATRS reporting requirements preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
Ability to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple priorities
Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
Terms of Employment
240-day contract
Salary based on Benton School District classified salary schedule
Benefits in accordance with district policy