Payroll Operations Specialist

About the role

• Job Title: Payroll Operations Specialist
• High Tech High
• In-person, Point Loma location - No Remote or Hybrid Option
• 12 month position - 220 Day Calendar
• Reports to: Director of Human Resources
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Salary, Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular, Unrepresented, 220-day

Salary

Framework C, Step 50. Range $79, 526.16 - $91,344.48

Developed by a coalition of San Diego civic leaders and educators, High Tech High opened in September 2000 as a small public charter school with plans to serve approximately 450 students. HTH has evolved into an integrated network of sixteen charter schools serving approximately 6,350 students in grades K-12 across four campuses.

Located in San Diego County, California, High Tech High (HTH) is guided by four connected design principles-equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaborative design-that set aspirational goals and create a foundation for understanding our approach. If you are motivated by these principles, we encourage you to join our team!

HTH seeks a Full-Time Payroll Operations Specialist, to serve as part of the Human Resources Team and support and manage payroll for the organization. The ideal candidate will have three or more years of functional payroll experience, knowledge of California wage and hour laws as it relates to exempt and non-exempt employees, a working knowledge of CalSTRS and CalPERS retirement reporting and reconciling, experience with 403b and 457 retirement plan administration, and payroll taxes reporting and deposits including out of state tax set up and reporting.

Job Summary

As a member of the Human Resources team, the Payroll Operations Specialist will perform semi-monthly payroll and payroll related payable duties to support the office in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. The position requires general knowledge of common payroll and general accounting practices. Work consists of both routine and non-routine payroll and payroll related accounting work performed using general procedures and processes. The Payroll Operations Specialist will ensure accurate processing and recording of organization’s payroll and provide timely financial information.

Duties Included

• Perform daily payroll and payroll related operations.
• Perform semi-monthly payroll and conform to all deadlines.
• Maintain complete payroll records.
• Manage and maintain an internal timekeeping system.
• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll and related payable transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports.
• Understand proper taxation of employer paid benefits.
• Process correct garnishment calculations and compliance for child support, tax levies, student loans, etc.
• Assist employees with inquiries or questions regarding payroll, benefits, retirement contributions and related payroll deductions.
• Process accurate and timely year-end reporting when necessary (W-2, W-2c, 1095, 1099, etc.).
• May include ACA reporting for hourly employees.
• Process for payment an assigned group of vendors, which include but not limited to vendor invoices and other items approved for payment.
• Process payments and reconcile payroll taxes, including semi-monthly payroll tax deposits and quarterly tax returns.
• Retirement reporting and reconciling, including CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 403b/457 retirement accounts
• Examine timekeeping records for accuracy and compliance per contract terms, Education Code, federal and state regulations, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Develop ad hoc financial and operational reporting, as needed.
• Contact employees, management, vendors, or others to resolve discrepancies or issues.
• Organize and maintain a variety of payroll and related files, documents, and procedures; compile data, maintain spreadsheets, and prepare routine correspondence with stakeholders.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate would possess the following qualities

• 3 years of direct payroll processing experience
• Knowledge of California Wage and Hour Laws
• Working knowledge of payroll best practices and wage and hour laws, school payroll experience a plus
• Ability to learn and interpret specific rules, laws, and policies and apply them with good independent judgement
• Strong knowledge of Education Code and federal and state regulations
• Keen attention to detail including a high level of precision and data integrity awareness
• Must have strong Excel skills including strong computer skills
• Working knowledge of payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping software applications.
• Paycom HRIS system experience a plus.
• Successful experience demonstrating tact, courtesy, a positive attitude, and maintaining cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Knowledge of CalPERS and CalSTRS
• Excellent written, verbal, and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Results-driven, sense of urgency, and high standard of professionalism
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent Customer Service skills
• Understanding of CA labor laws as it relates to exempt and non-exempt employees and ability to update onboarding documents as rules and regulations change
• Self-Motivated
• Bilingual a plus

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Associate Degree or High school diploma with three years of related experience.
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for years of experience.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range is $79,526.16 - $91,344.48 and is commensurate with experience.
• HTH offers a very competitive benefits package, to include medical, dental, and vision for full-time employees and their dependents.
• Great pension benefits that include CalPERS Retirement.

If you fit the qualifications above, and are looking for a forward-thinking, innovative institution that embodies visionary leadership and embraces diversity, then High Tech High is the place for you!

In addition to federal law requirements, High Tech High complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the practice has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.