Payroll and Finance Coordinator

Payroll & Finance Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Payroll & Finance Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all payroll and related financial compliance functions for the district. This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll adherence to federal and state regulations and effective management of employee compensation system(s).

The Payroll & Finance Coordinator serves as a key partner to Human Resources and Business Offices ensuring alignment between staffing payroll and financial operations. This position requires a detail-oriented and strategic leader who can maintain compliance improve systems and support employees through accurate compensation and responsive service.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership & Strategy

• Collaborate with district leadership to align payroll and benefits operations with organizational priorities
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives related to financial operations staffing and employee support systems
• Serve as a liaison between Human Resources Finance and external agencies on payroll and benefits matters
• Support employee wellness initiatives as a liaison for wellness-related programs

Recruitment Hiring & Onboarding

• Support onboarding processes by ensuring accurate payroll setup for all new hires in MUNIS
• Coordinate with HR to ensure timely entry of employee data compensation and benefits elections (upon request from the Town)
• Manage Employee Self-Service account setup and updates for all staff
• Provide payroll and benefits guidance to new employees during onboarding

Employee Records & HR Systems Management

• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records in compliance with applicable laws and audit standards
• Manage and maintain payroll systems (e.g. MUNIS) and time and attendance systems
• Oversee employee time and attendance tracking to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Process and respond to verification of employment requests
• Ensure proper documentation and tracking of employee compensation and benefit adjustments

Labor Relations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including:
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Massachusetts Wage & Hour laws
• IRS regulations related to payroll
• Oversee payroll compliance including audits and internal controls
• Manage required reporting including OMNI reporting and other state/federal submissions
• Ensure compliance with retirement system requirements including Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS) reporting and applications

Compensation and Payroll Oversight

Oversee all payroll operations including payroll processing reconciliation and accuracy of employee compensation

• Conduct regular payroll reconciliation to ensure financial accuracy and integrity
• Manage retirement applications and reporting including MTRS coordination
• Administer employee benefits adjustments including TSA (Tax-Sheltered Annuities) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts)
• Ensure accurate deductions contributions and reporting
• Support payroll transitions and continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes

Performance Management & Talent Development

• Provide training and support to staff on payroll systems time and attendance and Employee Self-Service tools
• Develop clear procedures and guidance to ensure consistent and accurate payroll practices across the district; support cross-training and capacity-building within payroll and finance functions

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll and benefits-related inquiries from staff
• Communicate clearly with employees regarding payroll deductions and retirement processes
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure consistent messaging and support for employees
• Work with vendors and external agencies related to payroll retirement and benefits administration

Reporting & Data Management

• Oversee required payroll reporting at the federal state and local levels
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of MTRS and OMNI reports
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends discrepancies and opportunities for improvement
• Support audits by providing documentation and reports as needed

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or related field
• 5 years of experience in payroll and/or financial operations preferably in a public sector or school district setting
• Experience with public sector retirement systems (e.g. MTRS) strongly preferred

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and regulations including FLSA and Massachusetts Wage & Hour laws
• Experience with payroll and financial systems (e.g. MUNIS time and attendance systems)
• Understanding of employee benefits administration including TSA and HSA programs
• High attention to detail accuracy and confidentiality
• Strong analytical organizational and problem-solving skills

Work Environment

• Office-based role within a school district or municipal setting
• May require occasional extended hours during payroll cycles audits or reporting deadlines

Key Competencies

• Financial accuracy and attention to detail
• Compliance and risk management
• Systems thinking and process improvement
• Strong customer service orientation
• Collaboration and communication

Required Experience:

IC