Payroll and AP Specialist in Richmond, California at Making Waves Academy

Compensation: $38.00 – $40.86 / hour

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt (Year-Round)

Location: Richmond, CA, US

We are seeking a meticulous, proactive, and collaborative Payroll and AP Specialist to manage the full lifecycle of our fiscal operations. If you are a numbers person who wants your work to have a direct, positive impact on a vibrant school community of dedicated educators and staff, we want to hear from you.

• Full-Cycle Processing: Manage independent, bi-weekly payroll processing for diverse employees (certificated teachers, classified staff, and stipended personnel).
• Compliance & Reporting: Handle teacher summer hold-back payments, longevity bonuses, and retirement contributions. Remit reports to CalSTRS and manage employee retirement enrollments.
• Tax & Audit Support: Reconcile Federal Quarterly Form 941 expenses, submit annual Government California Compensation Reports, and pull documentation for annual workers' comp audits.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner closely with People Operations to maintain clean employee data (leave balances, overtime, sick banks).

• Invoice Management: Code, allocate, and issue checks using the Sage Intacct system, ensuring proper approvals are met.
• Expense Control: Manage the Concur system for employee reimbursements and reconcile monthly business credit card statements.
• Vendor Relations: Maintain clean vendor files (W9s, contracts), handle the annual filing of 1099-MISC forms, and smoothly resolve vendor payment inquiries.
• Perks & Planning: Coordinate travel logistics (flights and hotels) for MWA employee conferences roughly 10 times a year.

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field, OR equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of combined hands-on experience running payroll and managing accounts payable.
• Deep knowledge of CA wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, and GAAP principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with standard accounting platforms (such as Sage Intacct).

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline.
• Prior experience working within a California Public Charter School or School District.
• Direct, hands-on experience with CalSTRS reporting.
• Familiarity with Rippling and Concur systems.
• Strong, patient communication skills for resolving staff payroll questions or vendor inquiries.

We offer a stable, year-round role with an excellent hourly rate in a stable, mission-driven organization. Here, your work directly supports the educators shaping the future.