Payroll Clerk

Payroll Clerk Administrative Office | Full-Time, 12-Month Position Anticipated Start Date: ASAP Reports To: School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Salary Range: $44,000+, negotiable based on experience Middle Township Public Schools is seeking a Payroll Clerk to support the Business Office. This position involves varied clerical and administrative work, including maintaining records, processing payroll and deductions, preparing correspondence and reports, using district information systems, organizing work to meet deadlines, and ensuring that payroll information is accurate and compliant with established rules and regulations.

Responsibilities include

Prepare and process semimonthly payroll for all district staff, including salaried and hourly employees. Input and verify employee time records, deductions, additional earnings, and leave balances. Ensure the accuracy of payroll calculations, withholdings, and benefit contributions. Review and reconcile payroll reports and journal entries in coordination with the Supervisor of Accounts and Assistant Business Administrator.

Maintain accurate payroll records and employee pay history in compliance with district policies, state regulations, and IRS requirements. Track and maintain records for employee absences, FMLA, paid leaves, and docked time. Process and manage employee wage garnishments, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions. Respond to inquiries from employees regarding payroll issues, tax forms, direct deposit, and earnings statements.

Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure alignment of employee records, assignments, and salary rates. Notify staff of changes in tax laws or payroll policies as needed. Prepare and distribute W-2 and other tax-related documents. Support year-end audits by preparing required payroll documentation and reports. Generate periodic payroll reports for administrative and budgeting purposes.

Utilize district payroll and accounting systems (e.g., Systems 3000, Power. School, Frontline, or other platforms) for data entry and payroll processing. Ensure proper security and confidentiality of employee payroll records and sensitive data. Perform other duties as assigned by the School Business Administrator and/or Superintendent.

Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree or coursework in accounting, business administration, or related field preferred. At least 2 years of payroll, bookkeeping, or accounting experience; experience in a school district or public sector strongly preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and payroll software systems (CSI, Systems 3000, or equivalent preferred).

Strong attention to detail, mathematical accuracy, and time management skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, including FICA, W-4, W-2, and NJ state tax regulations. Alternatives to the above qualifications may be substituted as deemed appropriate by the Board of Education.

Required criminal history background check and eligibility to work in the United States. All applicants must meet NJ Residency requirements as per "New Jersey First Act", N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with New Jersey public school employee contracts and salary guides. Experience with state and federal reporting requirements (e.g., NJ pension systems, TPAF/ PERS, SUI, FMLA). Experience in unionized work environments and knowledge of negotiated agreements as they relate to payroll. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, computer proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines while working effectively with staff and the public.

Benefits

Medical and prescription coverage, dental coverage, NJ pension, sick and vacation days, and optional 403(b), 457(b), and FSA accounts. Additional duties and qualifications are described in the New Jersey Civil Service specification for Title Code 02634 . Apply online only at https://www.applitrack.com/middletownship/onlineapp/