Accounting Specialist - Payroll

Accounting Specialist
- Payroll

Mesa USD 4 Payroll
- Mesa, Arizona Open in Google Maps

Job : 5930963

Final date to receive applications: Oct 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Posted: Sep 17, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Base Hourly: $21.01

Class/Calendar: B22,12 months

Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, holidays,retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire

Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to aten-year maximum

New Hire

Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary: To process biweekly district payroll to ensure accuracy and adherence to district, state and federal policies and procedures; and to ensure accuracy of employees’ accrual records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Verify data entry for personnel payroll records to ensure accurate hourly earnings, contract calculations, funding codes, personal information, etc
• Process and distribute paychecks
• Perform data entry for timecard batches and appropriate voluntary deductions
• Appropriately and accurately code employee records for leave accruals and holiday eligibility
• Examine and verify payroll and absence reports
• Maintain and monitor employee sick leave and vacation records in automated timekeeping system (Time Clock Plus )
• Verify leave of absence salary calculations and absence postings
• Run queries to maintain attendance files
• Process paperwork to replace lost warrants; generate hand-issued warrants and cancellations
• Acquire knowledge of and administer state, county and federal regulations, district policies and procedures, all employee groups negotiation agreements/working condition documents, andannual changes pertaining to salaries and benefits
• Acquire knowledge of salary codes and use as needed
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding salaries, deductions and benefits and tactfully address complaints and make payroll adjustments as needed
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• High School education or equivalent
• Three years payroll experience

Skills &

Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Above average proficiency in typing, data entry and 10-key by touch with accuracy; excellent test battery; high math aptitude; skill in performing detailed numerical computations
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, Access, etc); knowledge and experience with mainframe computers and iVisions and Time Clock Plus
• Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines with an accurate attention to detail while working with frequent interruptions and minimum supervision
• Ability to perform high-volume detailed work with accuracy, to assume responsibility, to independently make sound fact-based decisions for daily tasks; to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel and outside agencies

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily works in an office within the school district administration building or finance department
• Regularly interacts with school staff, administrators, vendors, and financial institutions
• Often works with strict deadlines for budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting
• Occasional travel to schools within the district for audits, training, or financial reviews.
• Prolonged use of a computer and office equipment
• May need to lift or carry financial reports, binders, or office supplies (typically under 25 pounds)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws…