Assistant Payroll and Benefits Support

Empowerment Academy Charter School is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Assistant Payroll and Benefits Clerk to support the accurate and timely processing of employee payroll, benefits administration, and related personnel recordkeeping. This is a non-instructional, non-certificated support staff position working under the direct supervision of the School Business Administrator.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation, processing, and review of semi-monthly payroll for all school employees, ensuring accuracy of hours, wages, deductions, and withholdings
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee payroll and benefits records in accordance with New Jersey recordkeeping requirements and the school's document retention policy
• Assist employees with enrollment, changes, and terminations in health, dental, vision, and other benefit plans, including coordination with the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits (e.g., PERS/TPAF) and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), as applicable
• Process new hire payroll and benefits setup, employee status changes, garnishments, direct deposit authorizations, and voluntary deduction forms
• Reconcile payroll and benefits data against timekeeping systems, HRIS records, and general ledger accounts; research and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare and assist with quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and reporting (e.g., W-2s, ACA reporting) in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and New Jersey Division of Taxation requirements
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, leave balances, and benefits in a professional and confidential manner
• Assist with tracking employee leave balances, including earned sick leave accrued under the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law, FMLA/NJFLA leave, and other board-approved leave
• Support internal and external audits, NJDOE reporting, and pension reporting by compiling requested payroll and benefits documentation
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee financial, medical, and personnel information in accordance with applicable privacy laws
• Perform other related clerical and administrative duties as assigned by the School Business Administrator

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one to two (1-2) years of experience in payroll processing, benefits administration, bookkeeping, or related clerical/accounting work; school district or charter school experience preferred
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS software and Microsoft Office (particularly Excel); experience with systems such as Paychex, ADP, Frontline, or PowerSchool a plus
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality
• Ability to successfully complete and clear a New Jersey criminal history background check and Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) clearance prior to employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in accounting, business administration, human resources, or a related field
• Prior experience working in a New Jersey public school or charter school business office
• Familiarity with the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits (PERS/TPAF), SEHBP, and New Jersey wage and hour law

Benefits

• Health Care Plan for Individual or Family (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (New Jersey Pension Fund, transferable to/from traditional public schools)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development

Pay

$60,000-$70,000