Payroll and Benefits Clerk (.49%)

Newton County School System - Covington, GA

Part-time - Entry Level

Covington, GA

About the position

The Payroll and Benefits Clerk position is a part-time role within the Newton County School System, responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll, leave, and benefits for all employees. This position ensures compliance with government regulations and best practices while providing exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll inquiries and benefits enrollment. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism. In this role, the clerk will enter and maintain employee data in the payroll system, including salaries, deductions, and other compensation changes. They will assist with the input of substitute employee data and ensure the timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires and terminations. The clerk will also compute employee garnishments, prepare payments to vendors, and assist with leave data entry and corrections as needed. Additionally, they will support employees during new hire orientations and annual open enrollment periods for benefits programs. The Payroll and Benefits Clerk will analyze payroll audit reports to ensure accuracy in pay and deductions, report new hires to the Georgia New Hire Reporting Center, and maintain the integrity of payroll and benefit files. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders and a commitment to providing excellent customer service. The clerk will also serve as a backup front desk receptionist when needed and must demonstrate prompt and regular attendance while attending relevant meetings and trainings.

Responsibilities

• Enter information in the payroll system, including employee data, salaries, deductions, and compensation changes.
• Assist with inputting substitute employee data into the payroll system.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll updates, including new hires and terminations.
• Compute employee garnishments and prepare payments to garnishment vendors.
• Provide support for payroll processing by assisting with leave data entry and corrections.
• Assist employees with inquiries regarding payroll, leave, and benefits.
• Support employees in enrolling in benefits programs during new hire orientations and open enrollment periods.
• Enter various types of pay compensation, such as extra duties and stipends.
• Analyze payroll audit reports to ensure pay accuracy and correct deductions.
• Create and maintain accurate payroll work calendars aligned with district calendars.
• Report all new hires to the Georgia New Hire Reporting Center in compliance with state regulations.
• Assist with Employee Self Service (ESS) troubleshooting and password resets.
• Serve as a backup front desk receptionist for the Business Office when needed.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of payroll and benefit files and records.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and issues promptly.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required; two years of college or equivalent training preferred.
• Three to five years of office experience required, preferably in a school system or government entity.
• Knowledge of laws, practices, and terminology of payroll functions as they apply to Georgia school districts.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products such as Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to quickly learn payroll software and follow established procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to manage sensitive situations with professionalism.
• Ability to set and achieve goals and work in a fast-paced multi-task environment.
• Proven effective organizational skills and ability to meet frequent deadlines.
• Detail-oriented, customer-focused, and results-driven.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with payroll software is a plus.
• Certification in payroll processing or related field is preferred.