Brainerd Public Schools
Position Type:
District Wide Operational Support/Payroll Manager
Date Posted: 9/26/2025
Location: Washington Educational Services Building
Closing Date: Until filled ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Position Title: Payroll Manager Department/Building: Washington Educational Services Building Reports to: Director of Business Services Assignment: 12 Months - Year Round - Full Time Salary Range: $ 67,928 - $85,300 (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Brainerd Professionals Contract on district website) Union: Ed MN - Brainerd Professionals FLSA: Overtime Exempt BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, PERA, 403b and Paid Sick & Vacation
SECTION I: JOB GOAL / SUMMARY
The Payroll Manager is responsible for administering the school district's payroll function for over 1000 employees including developing reporting procedures and internal controls; implementing procedures and processes; ensuring the accuracy of payroll-related data and compliance with school district and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines. Serve as lead worker for Payroll/Finance Specialists.
SECTION II: QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications: Associates or Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field with course work in business, math, accounting, bookkeeping and record keeping. Equivalent training and experience may be substituted. At least five years of professional level payroll processing experience. Ability to understand, apply and use computers and software applications (i.e. MS Office, Google Drive/Docs/Sheets). Experience using advanced Excel functions including, pivot table, vlookups, etc. is required. Ability to analyze and apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements. Must have excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and written with employees at all levels of the organization as well as people outside of the organization. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with office and district staff and identify areas of efficiency and process improvement to help accomplish the goals of the department and district. Ability to work independently with little work direction, to understand expectations, judge time needed to complete work assignments and organize his/her own work. Ability to perform very detailed work and must have excellent mathematical ability. Ability to learn, apply and explain district contracts, policies, procedures, rules and regulations to staff. Ability to effectively assemble, organize, prepare and maintain data for records and reports. Experience maintaining strict confidentiality of personnel-related information and district knowledge prior to public notice. Organizing and prioritizing tasks in order to meet strict deadlines. Attention to detail and need for accuracy. Flexibility and a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks, sometimes at the direction of more than one person. Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, and related regulations. Knowledge of fund accounting and bookkeeping principles. Organizational and time management skills. Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, perform complex arithmetic operations and use calculators. Ability to problem-solve job-related issues. Ability to process paperwork accurately according to standardized procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding school district financial and other information. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Preferred Qualifications:
Public sector payroll experience. Experience with Skyward software Lead worker/supervisor experience preferred.
SECTION III: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Processes payroll information in accordance with approved collective bargaining agreements and/or employment contracts; assuring accurate program and funds distribution for timely and accurate payment of district employees. Inputs and maintains all information into the payroll processing system regarding pay, federal and state taxes, as well as all deductions (i.e., retirement, dues). Prepares and submits semi-monthly, quarterly and annual reports for FICA, TRA, PERA, unemployment compensation, state and federal withholding and other volunteer deductions and payments as required. Sets up and maintains direct deposit system to ensure proper deposits of payroll checks. Serve as lead worker for Payroll/Finance Specialists. Manages employee payroll files ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements. Develops reporting procedures and internal controls for timely and accurate completion of school district, federal and state reporting requirements. Implements assigned programs and projects for the purpose of conforming to administrative, state and/or federal requirements. Recommends policies, procedures and/or actions for the purpose of providing direction for meeting the district's payroll objectives. Researches discrepancies of payroll information and/or documentation for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and implementing corrective measures, as necessary. Updates payroll information (e.g., changes to wages/salaries, deductions) as needed and processes retro pay. Prepare and distribute all annual tax information (i.e., approximately 1,400 W-2 statements). Assist with annual audits. Reviews information regarding attendance for posting and reporting. Authorizes special payrolls for the purpose of resolving problems and meeting special compensation requirements. Composes a variety of materials (i.e.. reports, memos, letters, procedures, manuals, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information regarding balances, etc.
SECTION IV: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires walking and sitting and occasionally requires standing, using hands and fingers to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic). Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
Brainerd Public Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Brainerd Public Schools will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.
APPLY: Online: www.isd181.org Please include transcripts and references
Date Posted: 9/26/2025
Location: Washington Educational Services Building
Closing Date: Until filled ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Position Title: Payroll Manager Department/Building: Washington Educational Services Building Reports to: Director of Business Services Assignment: 12 Months - Year Round - Full Time Salary Range: $ 67,928 - $85,300 (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Brainerd Professionals Contract on district website) Union: Ed MN - Brainerd Professionals FLSA: Overtime Exempt BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, PERA, 403b and Paid Sick & Vacation
SECTION I: JOB GOAL / SUMMARY
The Payroll Manager is responsible for administering the school district's payroll function for over 1000 employees including developing reporting procedures and internal controls; implementing procedures and processes; ensuring the accuracy of payroll-related data and compliance with school district and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines. Serve as lead worker for Payroll/Finance Specialists.
SECTION II: QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications: Associates or Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field with course work in business, math, accounting, bookkeeping and record keeping. Equivalent training and experience may be substituted. At least five years of professional level payroll processing experience. Ability to understand, apply and use computers and software applications (i.e. MS Office, Google Drive/Docs/Sheets). Experience using advanced Excel functions including, pivot table, vlookups, etc. is required. Ability to analyze and apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements. Must have excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and written with employees at all levels of the organization as well as people outside of the organization. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with office and district staff and identify areas of efficiency and process improvement to help accomplish the goals of the department and district. Ability to work independently with little work direction, to understand expectations, judge time needed to complete work assignments and organize his/her own work. Ability to perform very detailed work and must have excellent mathematical ability. Ability to learn, apply and explain district contracts, policies, procedures, rules and regulations to staff. Ability to effectively assemble, organize, prepare and maintain data for records and reports. Experience maintaining strict confidentiality of personnel-related information and district knowledge prior to public notice. Organizing and prioritizing tasks in order to meet strict deadlines. Attention to detail and need for accuracy. Flexibility and a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks, sometimes at the direction of more than one person. Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, and related regulations. Knowledge of fund accounting and bookkeeping principles. Organizational and time management skills. Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, perform complex arithmetic operations and use calculators. Ability to problem-solve job-related issues. Ability to process paperwork accurately according to standardized procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding school district financial and other information. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Preferred Qualifications:
Public sector payroll experience. Experience with Skyward software Lead worker/supervisor experience preferred.
SECTION III: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Processes payroll information in accordance with approved collective bargaining agreements and/or employment contracts; assuring accurate program and funds distribution for timely and accurate payment of district employees. Inputs and maintains all information into the payroll processing system regarding pay, federal and state taxes, as well as all deductions (i.e., retirement, dues). Prepares and submits semi-monthly, quarterly and annual reports for FICA, TRA, PERA, unemployment compensation, state and federal withholding and other volunteer deductions and payments as required. Sets up and maintains direct deposit system to ensure proper deposits of payroll checks. Serve as lead worker for Payroll/Finance Specialists. Manages employee payroll files ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements. Develops reporting procedures and internal controls for timely and accurate completion of school district, federal and state reporting requirements. Implements assigned programs and projects for the purpose of conforming to administrative, state and/or federal requirements. Recommends policies, procedures and/or actions for the purpose of providing direction for meeting the district's payroll objectives. Researches discrepancies of payroll information and/or documentation for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and implementing corrective measures, as necessary. Updates payroll information (e.g., changes to wages/salaries, deductions) as needed and processes retro pay. Prepare and distribute all annual tax information (i.e., approximately 1,400 W-2 statements). Assist with annual audits. Reviews information regarding attendance for posting and reporting. Authorizes special payrolls for the purpose of resolving problems and meeting special compensation requirements. Composes a variety of materials (i.e.. reports, memos, letters, procedures, manuals, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information regarding balances, etc.
SECTION IV: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires walking and sitting and occasionally requires standing, using hands and fingers to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic). Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
Brainerd Public Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Brainerd Public Schools will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.
APPLY: Online: www.isd181.org Please include transcripts and references