Payroll Specialist

September 9, 2026

SCHOOL CITY OF EAST CHICAGO

School Year

TITLE: Payroll Specialist

REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources

LENGTH: Twelve (12) Month Year

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and related transactions, maintaining payroll records and controls, processing deductions and payments, assisting with reconciliations and reporting, and providing customer service. The position collaborates with the Human Resources, and Business Office to ensure payroll is administered accurately, confidentially, efficiently, and in compliance with district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.

• Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in accounting, business, finance, payroll, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, or related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll and related transactions for multiple employee groups.
• Working knowledge of payroll procedures, deductions, tax with holdings, retirement contributions, benefits, and applicable reporting requirements.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, ERP, and/or timekeeping systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of employee, payroll, tax, benefit, and personnel records.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet strict payroll deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of Indiana payroll laws and applicable federal payroll requirements.
• Knowledge of public employee retirement systems, including PERF/INPRS.
• Experience with school finance or payroll systems such as RDS, Skyward, Frontline, Time Pro, or similar systems.
• Understanding of collective bargaining agreements and their impact on wages, deductions, leave, stipends, and other payroll calculations.
• Knowledge of employee benefits, payroll deductions, garnishments, tax with holdings, retirement contributions, insurance deductions, union dues, 403(b) contributions, and leave accruals.
• Knowledge of payroll balancing, reconciliation, internal controls, and payroll reporting.
• Ability to review and verify employee rates of pay, job classifications, payroll changes, new hires, transfers, and other personnel actions affecting compensation.
• Ability to interpret district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and government regulations affecting payroll procedures.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and correct payroll discrepancies and errors.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to respond professionally to payroll-related questions and concerns.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, emails, and reports.

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• Indiana Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) payroll training or coursework.
• Other professional development or certification in payroll, accounting, finance, human resources, or school business operations.