Payroll Manager, Saddle Mountain Unified School District

Position:

Payroll Manager

Type:

Public

Location:

Rural

Job ID:

135784

County:

Southwest Maricopa

Posted:

September 23, 2026

Contact Information:

Saddle Mountain Unified School District

38201 W. Indian School Road

Tonopah, Arizona 85354

District Website

Contact:

Ellen Spielman

Phone: 6234745101

Fax:

District Email

Job Description:

Manage and oversee the District's complete payroll process, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and within

established deadlines.

Review, verify, and approve payroll information prior to processing and distribution.

Ensure employee compensation is consistent with contracts, salary schedules, employment agreements,

stipends, supplemental assignments, overtime, additional duties, and approved changes.

Review payroll changes for appropriate authorization and supporting documentation.

Monitor employee work hours, leave usage, deductions, supplemental pay, and other compensation-related

information as applicable.

Process regular, supplemental, special, and off-cycle payrolls as authorized.

Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee compensation issues.

Maintain appropriate documentation supporting payroll transactions and adjustments. Maintain and manage an

organized payroll file system.

Ensure payroll records are accurate, complete, properly maintained, and readily available for authorized review.

Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including wage and hour

requirements, tax withholding requirements, retirement requirements, the USFR and other applicable

regulations.

Maintain current knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, District policies, and applicable employee agreements.

Monitor changes in payroll-related laws and requirements and make recommendations for necessary procedural

or system changes.

Ensure appropriate federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and payments are completed accurately and timely.

Coordinate/Prepare required payroll reporting and year-end processes, including W-2 preparation and

distribution.

Coordinate and respond to payroll-related audits and requests for information from authorized agencies,

auditors, and other entities.

Maintain appropriate internal controls to safeguard District funds and confidential employee information.

Maintain accurate payroll records and employee compensation information in the District's payroll and financial

system.

Coordinate payroll-related employee data with Human Resources and other District departments.

Review personnel actions affecting payroll, including new hires, transfers, promotions, salary changes,

resignations, terminations, leave status changes, and other employment changes.

Ensure payroll system records accurately reflect approved personnel and compensation changes.

Assist with implementation, testing, maintenance, and improvement of payroll software systems.

Maintain confidentiality of employee financial, payroll, personnel, and other sensitive information.

Review and process employee leave and other payroll-related adjustments as applicable.

Ensure appropriate deductions are processed, including taxes, retirement contributions, insurance premiums,

garnishments, voluntary deductions, and other authorized deductions. This will require coordinating with the

benefits specialist who handles voluntary benefits.

Coordinate with Human Resources and benefits personnel regarding employee status changes that affect payroll

or deductions.

Assist with resolving employee questions regarding deductions, compensation, leave balances, and

payroll-related matters.

Reconcile payroll registers and payroll-related accounts to ensure accuracy.

Review payroll expenditures and identify discrepancies or unusual transactions.

Prepare or assist in preparing payroll-related financial reports for District administration, the Governing Board,

auditors, and other authorized parties.

Coordinate with the supervisor to ensure payroll transactions are accurately reflected in the District's financial

records.

Coordinate year-end payroll rollover closeout activities.

Supervise, direct, train, and evaluate assigned payroll personnel, if applicable.

Provide training and guidance to administrators and employees regarding payroll procedures and requirements.

Promote effective internal controls and consistent application of District payroll procedures.

Serve as a resource to District administrators and employees regarding payroll-related matters.

Maintain strict confidentiality concerning employee compensation, payroll records, personnel information, tax

information, banking information, Social Security numbers, and other protected or sensitive information.

Follow District policies and established security procedures for handling confidential information.

Ensure payroll records are protected from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Immediately report suspected payroll irregularities, unauthorized transactions, fraud, or security concerns

through appropriate District channels.

Maintain appropriate separation of duties and internal controls within the payroll process.

Work cooperatively with Human Resources, Business Services, administrators, employees, District leadership and

Maricopa County Office of the School Superintendent.

Attend meetings and training sessions as assigned.

Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, training, and professional development.

Provide information and assistance during audits, investigations, and other authorized reviews.

Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor and/or Superintendent.

Other:

SMUSD operates on a 4 day work week (Tuesday - Friday)

SMUSD is a rural district in the west valley (Buckeye and Tonopah)

SMUSD is an equal opportunity employer