Job Description

Job Location Shady Side Academy Senior School - Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage Negligible Job Shift Day Job Category Accounting

The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely administration of payroll and employee benefits for faculty, staff, and administrators in a private education environment. This role ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, supports institutional policies, and provides high-quality service to employees while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.

The position requires deep knowledge of payroll operations, benefits administration, and the unique employment structures of independent schools, including academic-year contracts, stipends, adjunct roles, and tuition remission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Manage and process biweekly/monthly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees, including faculty on academic-year employment agreements, hourly staff, seasonal employees, and stipended roles
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, stipends, supplemental pay, and deductions
• Administer payroll changes related to hires, terminations, leaves, contract changes, and role adjustments
• Oversee payroll tax compliance, including filings, reconciliations, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 941s, etc.)
• Coordinate payroll audits and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with Finance

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, FSA
• Manage benefits eligibility, enrollment, changes, and terminations in accordance with plan documents and school policies
• Serve as the liaison with benefits brokers, vendors, and plan administrators
• Support annual open enrollment, including communications, system setup, and employee education
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations

Compliance and Policy Support

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment and payroll laws
• Support institutional audits and regulatory inquiries related to payroll and benefits
• Assist with the development, maintenance, and interpretation of payroll and benefits policies
• Ensure confidentiality and security of employee data

Employee Support and Communication

• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource for employee payroll and benefits questions
• Provide guidance on pay statements, deductions, benefit options, and leave-related pay impacts
• Collaborate with HR colleagues on onboarding, offboarding, and leave administration

Systems and Data Management

• Maintain payroll and HRIS systems, ensuring data accuracy and process efficiency
• Generate payroll, benefits, and compliance reports as needed for leadership and Finance
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and benefits compliance requirements
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems
• High level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail

Preferred

Qualifications

• Experience in an independent school, higher education, or nonprofit environment
• CPP, SHRM-CP, or related professional certification
• Familiarity with academic-year employment structures

Core Competencies

• Confidentiality and ethical judgment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a cyclical academic environment

Work Environment

• Office-based environment within a private school setting
• Periodic evening or weekend work during payroll cycles, open enrollment, or fiscal year-end