Description

Please apply at: https://mvsd320.schoolspring.com?jobid=5616342

Classified Personnel

Job Description: Payroll & Leave Specialist 

Responsible to: Executive Director of Human Resources/ Payroll Supervisor

Work Year: 260 days per year, 8.0 hours per day (Exempt)

General: The Leave and Payroll Specialist provides critical support in administering employee leave programs, processing payroll transactions, and ensuring legal compliance with state and federal employment laws. This position serves as a liaison between employees, Human Resources, and Payroll, and requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or related field preferred
Prior experience in payroll, benefits, or personnel administration; school district experience preferred
Knowledge of federal and state leave laws including FMLA, PFML, Shared Leave, and L&I (Workers' Compensation)
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and HRIS systems such as Skyward/Qmlativ
Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple databases and platforms
Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and public speaking skills
Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and exercise sound judgment under tight deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team
Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to perform in high-stress environments (e.g., bargaining, investigations)
Bilingual skills desirable
Ability to maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work beyond a standard 40-hour workweek as needed
Commitment to confidentiality, customer service, and adherence to district policies and professional conduct
Position Responsibilities:

Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave-related questions, including FMLA, PFML, Shared Leave, unpaid leave, L&I (Workers' Compensation), and long-term disability
Coordinate all leave processing, including preparing and distributing documentation, tracking leave usage, and monitoring legal compliance
Maintain accurate employee leave balances; track accruals, usage, leave cash-outs, and L&I status updates
Collect and track documentation for L&I (Workers Compensation) claims.
Provide clear and timely communication to employees about leave eligibility, requirements, and status
Process substitute payroll files and benefits (SEBB).
Complete Verification of Employment forms
Collaborate with the HR and Payroll teams to ensure seamless integration of leave processes with payroll functions 
Process cyclical payroll tasks such as VEBA, Cashouts, and ACA documentation
Support payroll processing by verifying timesheets and processing supplemental pay for athletics, co-curricular, and extracurricular stipends
Review and update certificated continuing education and experience credit records
Create and submit required reports to union representatives in accordance with state law and collective bargaining agreement provisions (e.g. HB1200)
Respond to data and information requests from employees, administrators, auditors, OSPI, and other agencies
Provide backup coverage for related payroll and HR functions and assist during peak processing periods
Perform general administrative tasks, including answering phones and assisting staff and the public
Demonstrate professionalism, accuracy, and confidentiality in all interactions
Perform other duties as assigned
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or formal training beyond high school preferred. At least three years of experience in payroll and/or accounting, preferably in a school district or public sector environment.

Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

Language Skills: Ability to read, interpret, and apply written documentation including policies, procedures, and labor agreements. Ability to write clear, concise correspondence and communicate effectively in one-on-one or group settings.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures such as percentages, ratios, and payroll-related formulas. Comfortable performing basic algebra and accounting computations.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Capable of making independent decisions within established guidelines.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to type, handle, or feel. The employee frequently talks or hears and occasionally stands or reaches. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to interact with staff and manage multiple demands.

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Position requires ability to meet strict deadlines, especially during payroll processing and reporting cycles.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Updated 03/2026

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or related field preferred
Prior experience in payroll, benefits, or personnel administration; school district experience preferred
Knowledge of federal and state leave laws including FMLA, PFML, Shared Leave, and L&I (Workers' Compensation)
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and HRIS systems such as Skyward/Qmlativ
Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple databases and platforms
Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and public speaking skills
Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and exercise sound judgment under tight deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team
Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to perform in high-stress environments (e.g., bargaining, investigations)
Bilingual skills desirable
Ability to maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work beyond a standard 40-hour workweek as needed
Commitment to confidentiality, customer service, and adherence to district policies and professional conduct