Accounting and Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Title:

Accounting and Payroll Specialist

Reports to:

Superintendent

Job Function:
Provide payroll, accounting, and financial support for Elk Rapids Schools.

Term of Employment:
Three‑Year Contract, starting July 2026.

District

Description:

Elk Rapids Schools serves approximately 975 students K‑12 and an additional 230 students through the Mill Creek Academy. The district is a leading educational community on the northwest lower peninsula of Michigan and is part of the Northwest Education Services Intermediate School District.

We are seeking a motivated, passionate, engaged, and dedicated Accounting & Payroll Specialist to support and lead our Business Office. The ideal candidate will commit to educational excellence, have leadership experience, and possess broad knowledge in school finance, budgeting, and accounting.

Position Summary:

This position provides payroll, accounting, and financial support services for Elk Rapids Schools. Specific duties include:

• Review and process bi‑weekly payroll, verifying timesheets, salary adjustments, retroactive pay, and other payroll‑related transactions.
• Maintain employee payroll files and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with record retention requirements.
• Process payroll liabilities and payments, including federal and state taxes, retirement contributions, garnishments, child support orders, annuities, insurance premiums, and other authorized deductions.
• Prepare, file, and submit required payroll tax reports and regulatory filings, including monthly withholding tax returns, quarterly Form 941, Medicaid financial reports, and other state and federal filings.
• Prepare and distribute annual W‑2 forms and ensure compliance with all federal and state year‑end reporting requirements.
• Process and submit retirement‑related documentation, including Final Salary Affidavits and reporting to the Office of Retirement Services (ORS).
• Assist auditors by providing payroll records, reports, and other requested financial information.
• Assist with Unemployment Insurance Administration claims and related correspondence.
• Respond to vendor and employee inquiries, resolve discrepancies, and maintain positive relationships.
• Assist with budget monitoring, purchase order processing, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting activities.
• Oversee employee insurance programs, including health, enrollment, terminations, ACA, HSA, and flex spending accounts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain internal and external relationships.
• Strong knowledge of functional area systems and procedures, including Microsoft Office, database systems, Google Suite, and Excel.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Analytical skills to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Effective written communication skills for reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of district records and adhere to Board and building policies.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a positive attendance record and regular attendance.

• Associate degree in accounting, finance, business management, or a related area (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• School Payroll Specialist Certification (MSBO) required; or commitment to obtain certification.
• Minimum of one to three years of related experience in payroll and/or accounting.

Elk Rapids Schools is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.