Payroll Assistant

Reports to: VP of Finance

Job Status: Temp-to-Hire

Compensation Information: Salary range $24 - $28 per hour, commensurate with experience.

DESCRIPTION: This part-time position provides critical support to the school’s payroll function by assisting with the accurate and timely processing of all payroll cycles. Reporting to the VP of Finance and working closely with the Payroll Administrator, the Payroll Assistant will help ensure that our semi-monthly payrolls are processed correctly in Paycom, in compliance with applicable wage and hour laws and internal policies. The role is 25 hours per week, 5 hours per day (10am – 3pm). The role requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, and service orientation in supporting faculty, staff, and leadership.

Special Qualities & Characteristics

• Passionate for the mission of JSerra (i.e., the integral formation of students’ faith, intellect, and character)
• Deep appreciation for the Catholic faith and a commitment to the teachings of the Church
• Strong initiative and desire to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Superior rapport with parents, students, and staff

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting with preparation and processing of semi‑monthly payrolls in our Paycom system.
• Reviewing timecards and attendance data for accuracy, completeness, and policy compliance.
• Entering and updating employee payroll data, including new hires, terminations, status changes, and compensation updates.
• Supporting the calculation and verification of overtime, adjustments, stipends, retro-pay, pro-rated paychecks and final checks and other special pay types.
• Assisting with the processing of deductions (benefits, retirement, garnishments, etc.) and verifying their accuracy and calculating retro premiums.
• Helping to reconcile payroll reports, identify discrepancies, and support timely corrections.
• Responding to basic employee inquiries regarding pay, timekeeping, and related policies with a high level of confidentiality and customer service.
• Supporting the preparation of payroll-related reports for Finance, HR, and audits, as needed.
• Assisting the Payroll Administrator with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience working in a payroll environment and supporting end-to-end payroll operations (school, nonprofit, or similar multi-employee setting preferred).
• Demonstrated experience using an HRIS/payroll system (experience with Paycom is strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of payroll fundamentals, including wage and hour concepts, overtime, sick and vacation accruals, and common deductions.
• Basic understanding of federal and California payroll regulations and compliance requirements, or the ability and willingness to learn quickly.
• Educational background in Finance or Accounting is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Attributes for Success

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow‑through.
• Strong confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive employee and compensation information.
• Solid organizational skills, with the ability to manage recurring deadlines and multiple priorities in a part‑time schedule.
• Proficiency with Excel and general comfort with technology and data entry.
• Clear, professional communication skills and a service‑oriented mindset in supporting employees and colleagues.
• Strong numerical aptitude
• Ability to work collaboratively within the Finance and HR team, take direction, and work independently on assigned tasks.
• Ability to adjust schedule during payroll cycles and remain available to meet payroll deadlines, including those that may fall on weekends or holidays.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without the need for employer sponsorship.

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Work Location: In person