Budget and Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Transportation Payroll, Budget, & Finance Specialist manages the day-to-day payroll and financial operations of the Transportation Department, including payroll processing, budgeting, purchasing, billing, and financial recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Processes payroll for Transportation employees, including timesheets, payroll adjustments, leave balances, direct deposits, benefit deductions, and other required payroll transactions.
• Maintains payroll records and documentation in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Researches and resolves payroll discrepancies, timekeeping issues, benefit deductions, and employee compensation questions.
• Collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, supervisors, and other district departments to meet established payroll deadlines.
• Prepares payroll reports, journal entries, account reconciliations, tax reporting, retirement reporting, and other required financial documents.
• Processes purchase orders, invoices, reimbursements, purchase card transactions, and vendor payments in accordance with district procedures.
• Prepares and reconciles billing for field trips, transportation services, and other department revenue sources.
• Maintains financial, payroll, personnel, and purchasing records in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.
• Aids in annual audits by preparing financial records, payroll documentation, and supporting reports.
• Compiles operational and financial data for state reimbursement reports, budget planning, grant reporting, and other required submissions.
• Maintains inventory of office supplies, forms, and other department materials.
• Responds to payroll, purchasing, billing, and financial inquiries from employees, vendors, schools, district departments, and the public.
• Researches policies, procedures, regulations, and financial requirements to support accurate payroll and fiscal operations.
• Participates in department meetings, training workshops, and professional development activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, accounting, finance, bookkeeping, or business office operations.
• Experience processing payroll in a public sector, education, or government environment preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, purchasing, accounts payable, account reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Experience in student transportation operations or transportation department finance preferred.
• Experience with Alpine School District transportation payroll, finance, or systems preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, accounting principles, and financial recordkeeping.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with employees, administrators, vendors, and the public.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheets, financial software, and business office technology.
• Bilingual / Second Language Proficiency Preferred.