Payroll Operations Manager
About the Employer
Job Summary
The Payroll Manager ensures timely and accurate processing of the weekly and bi-weekly payroll for Salem Public Schools employees. Working closely with the City of Salem and the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations on all payroll-related issues, including onboarding staff, coordinating benefits, administering stipends and other pay, complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and ensuring payroll and financial standards are met.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Title
Payroll Manager, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY 2026-2027]
Department
School Business Office
Reports To
Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations
Affiliation
Non-Union
Salary Range
$80,000 - $90,000
Supervises
Payroll Assistant
Work Day/Year
12-month employee, 40-hours per week
About Salem Public Schools
Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students across our 10 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Manage and Administer District Payroll
Manage and administer district payroll to ensure that staff are paid accurately and in a timely manner, for both weekly and biweekly payrolls. Lead the implementation of a district-wide timesheet process and online timekeeping for hourly wage employees. Verify time records, make appropriate correcting entries prior to processing. Reconcile payroll budget accounts to payroll; identify source of discrepancies and prepare correcting journal entries for approval. Assist with collective bargaining calculations related to pay, benefits, and contract language - must maintain strict confidentiality.
Supervise Payroll Assistant
Supervise the preparation of payroll deduction reports and submission in a timely manner and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements (e.g. 403b plans and mandatory retirement plans). Ensure compliance with payroll laws and regulations. Maintain salary data, prepare pro-rated salary calculations, retro-active pay calculations, and leave of absence salary calculations.
Coordinate with Municipal Finance Office
Coordinate public records request with district records officer. Plan and manage payroll-related projects. Assist with preparation of Medicaid cost reporting and EPIMS reporting. Update pay records by reviewing and entering changes in exemptions, insurance deductions, and other data relative to individual employees.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Track record of successfully managing multiple projects and deadlines. Evidence of the highest commitment to detail. Significant customer service experience and problem resolution/de-escalation skills. Strong managerial skills and interpersonal skills. Strong organization and time management skills. Attention to detail, strong reconciliation skills. Willingness to learn Munis, Salem's financial management system.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Sensory Requirements
Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination and the ability to distinguish color. The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as printed matter with or without visual aids.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.
How to Apply
If you are a hard worker, a curious learner, a skilled communicator, eager to learn, and passionate about urban education, we encourage you to apply.