Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Work Location: Bayless School District, Administrative Offices

Length of Position: 12 Months

Reports to: Director of Human Resources

About Bayless School District

Bayless School District is a close-knit, student-centered district where strong relationships and high expectations support student success. Our teachers and support staff work together to create a safe, engaging environment where every student can learn, grow, and develop into graduates who are smart, good, and strong. We believe every role in our district contributes to that mission by supporting students, families, and the educators who serve them.

Position Overview
Bayless School District is seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Payroll & Benefits Specialist to manage payroll and support employee benefits administration. This role requires someone highly organized, comfortable with numbers, and committed to providing excellent service to employees while maintaining strict confidentiality.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist handles end-to-end payroll administration and assists with benefits, leave management, and HR systems. Working closely with the Human Resources and Business Office teams, this role ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and district policies, while also supporting a variety of HR functions in our collaborative, small-district environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all district employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Administer employee benefits, including enrollments, changes, and terminations, while maintaining compliance with plan requirements.
• Maintain accurate HRIS and payroll system data for employees, including new hires, terminations, and status changes.
• Support leave management processes, including tracking, reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports, tax filings, and required governmental documentation.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, leave, and HR system usage.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including documentation and system updates.
• Support HR and Business Office staff with compliance audits and reporting requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of sensitive payroll and HR information.
• Assist with employee communications regarding benefits, policy updates, and HR programs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve payroll, HRIS, and benefits processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations and district policies.
• Participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications / Education & Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of payroll administration experience, or equivalent experience in human resources, benefits, or accounting; experience in a Missouri public school environment is preferred.
• Education / Certification: Payroll certification such as FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) is preferred, or a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Experience using school-related software such as Skyward (ERP, Payroll, HR), Frontline (absence management), or TalentEd (onboarding, applicant tracking, evaluations).
• Additional Skills: Strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy with numbers, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

What We Offer You

• Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.
• A thoughtfully designed work calendar with built-in breaks throughout the year that support staff wellness and work-life balance.
• District-paid medical, dental, and life insurance.
• District-paid contributions (6.86%) to the Public Education Employee Retirement System (PEERS).
• Unique professional development opportunities, including access to the district’s tuition reimbursement program and support for professional memberships and conference attendance.

In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Bayless School District is an equal opportunity employer.