2026-2027 Payroll/Benefits Specialist - Central Office

Payroll/Benefits Specialist

Central Office

12 month position

SY 2026-2027

Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia is accepting applications for a Payroll and Benefits Specialist. The primary responsibilities of this position are to assist the Supervisor of Payroll and Benefits with monthly payroll processing, address employee matters concerning payroll and benefits, and maintain comprehensive division files, records, and administrative benefits workflows.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate''s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint), Google Workplace (Docs, Sheets), and database management (familiar with standard office equipment and digital workflow tools)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with team members and employees
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with complete confidentiality, discretion, and integrity
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills, with a proven ability to prioritize, handle interruptions, and meet deadlines under pressure
• Dependable and punctual work ethic
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resource Management, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and direct payroll/accounting office experience)
• Background working within a public school system or K-12 educational environment
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly financial and HR software applications
• Equivalent combinations of relevant training, certifications, and hands-on experience will be considered

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute semi-monthly employee payroll cycles accurately and on schedule
• Administer workers' compensation, short-term disability, and long-term disability claims from initiation through resolution
• Manage retiree and COBRA accounts, process medical and dental insurance invoices, and regularly reconcile carrier billings against payroll records
• Process employee wage garnishments in compliance with statutory and organizational guidelines
• Prepare Virginia Retirement System (VRS) reports and maintain comprehensive VRS records and files for the division
• Resolve employee inquiries regarding salaries, withholdings, taxes, leave balances, benefits, and general payroll details
• Serve as a professional representative of Montgomery County Public Schools, communicating clearly, openly, and effectively with staff and the public
• Guide employees through group health insurance enrollment while acting as a key liaison between staff, school system leaders, medical facilities, and insurance providers
• Track, process, and manage time and attendance records for all division personnel
• Process, reproduce, and distribute employment and prior experience verification documentation to authorized external parties
• Engage in ongoing professional development and skill training to maintain technical proficiency with division software and payroll systems

SALARY: $56,160.00 - $98,476.90 annually, with benefits; commensurate with experience and pro-rated to start date

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

BENEFITS:

Anthem Medical Plans - Multiple options available for comprehensive medical and prescription coverage

Ameritas Vision Plan - Coverage includes eye exams, lenses, frames, and contact lenses

Delta Dental Plan - FREE Delta Dental coverage for employees, spouses, and families

Carilion EAP - FREE Confidential Employee Assistance Program providing support for mental health, legal, financial concerns, and crisis support available to employees and their families

Generous Employee Leave Benefits - MCPS offers leave benefits for PT and FT employees, including paid sick leave, personal leave, funeral leave, and annual leave. Employees can also join a sick leave bank for extended medical absences, and earn wellness leave.

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - Full-time employees are eligible for the VRS and enrolled in Group Life Insurance at no cost. MCPS contributes a certain percentage to your individual retirement account.

Employee Sick Leave Bank - Employees earning sick leave may elect to join our Sick Leave Bank which allows employees to access days in the event of a catastrophic or long term illness when the employee has exhausted all other leave available.

Collective Bargaining - MCPS and MCEA have a collective bargaining agreement that establishes shared expectations and responsibilities, creates clear workday guidelines, protects professional time, and promotes fairness, teamwork, and respect. MCPS is currently the only school division in Southwest Virginia with a collective bargaining agreement.

You may visit the link below for quick access to your employee benefits portal page. Look around to find your offered policy information, claim forms, search for a provider, and more.

https://mymarkiii.com/mcpsva/

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

EEO Statement:

The Montgomery County School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention, or other personnel action affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, status as a veteran, and genetic information (including family medical history) is prohibited. Personnel decisions shall be based on merit and the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, when necessary. The Montgomery County School Board shall provide facilities, programs and activities that are accessible, usable and available to qualified disabled persons. Further, the Montgomery County School Board shall not discriminate against qualified disabled persons in the provision of health, welfare and other social services

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:

Director of Human Resources and Assistant Director of Human Resources

750 Imperial Street, SE, Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5100