Payroll and Benefits Accountant in Racine, Wisconsin at Siena Catholic Schools of Racine

Title: Payroll and Benefits Accountant Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Direct Reports: None FLSA: Exempt

Date Revised: August 2026 Classification: Full Time Calendar Year

The Payroll & Benefits Accountant is responsible for the accurate administration of payroll, employee benefits, and payroll-related accounting functions for Siena Catholic Schools. This position serves as the primary payroll expert while partnering closely with Human Resources and Finance to ensure employees are paid accurately, benefits are administered effectively, and all payroll and benefit transactions are properly recorded and reconciled.

The Payroll & Benefits Accountant maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while providing exceptional customer service to employees throughout their employment lifecycle. This position requires exceptional analytical ability, attention to detail, confidentiality, and a commitment to stewardship of the school’s financial resources in support of the mission of Catholic education.

Mission

As an employee of Siena Catholic Schools, the Payroll & Benefits Accountant supports the mission of Catholic education by carrying out responsibilities with integrity, compassion, stewardship, and professionalism. This position contributes to a faith-filled workplace that values service, accountability, and respect for the dignity of every individual.

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, including administrators, teachers, support staff, coaches, substitutes, and temporary employees.

• Audit payroll for accuracy prior to processing, ensuring proper compensation, deductions, taxes, stipends, supplemental contracts, overtime, and leave balances.

• Process new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, contract changes, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payrolls.

• Maintain payroll calendars and communicate deadlines to school administrators.

• Ensure payroll records remain accurate within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), COBRA, and retirement plans.

• Coordinate employee enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and benefit terminations.

• Conduct benefits orientation for newly hired employees.

• Coordinate and support the annual Open Enrollment process.

• Serve as the primary liaison with insurance brokers, benefit vendors, retirement plan administrators, and third-party administrators.

• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions.

• Monitor employee eligibility for benefit programs.

• Assist employees with benefit questions and provide outstanding customer service while maintaining confidentiality.

• Prepare payroll journal entries.

• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.

• Reconcile benefit liabilities and employer contributions.

• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close.

• Prepare payroll accruals and salary projections.

• Support annual budgeting by preparing payroll and benefit cost analyses.

• Assist with annual financial statement audits by providing payroll and benefit documentation.

• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, FLSA, ACA reporting requirements, retirement plan regulations, and applicable wage and hour laws.

• Process payroll tax filings and year-end reporting including W-2 preparation.

• Administer wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other court-ordered deductions.

• Maintain payroll and benefits records in accordance with applicable record retention requirements.

• Monitor legislative changes impacting payroll and employee benefits.

• Collaborate with Human Resources regarding employee onboarding, status changes, leaves of absence, benefit eligibility, and compensation changes.

• Support leave administration by coordinating payroll impacts for FMLA, paid leave, workers’ compensation, and disability leaves.

• Assist in maintaining accurate employee records within the HRIS.

• Participate in compensation and benefits analysis projects.

• Prepare payroll, benefit, and labor cost reports for leadership.

• Generate reports for auditors, retirement systems, insurance carriers, diocesan offices, and governmental agencies.

• Analyze payroll trends and identify opportunities for process improvements.

• Develop and maintain payroll and benefits dashboards to support decision-making.

• Serve as the payroll and benefits subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now.

• Maintain payroll and benefit configurations within the HRIS.

• Test system updates and assist with software enhancements.

• Recommend improvements to payroll and benefits processes through automation and technology.

• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding employee information.

• Cross-train with Finance and Human Resources staff to ensure operational continuity.

• Participate in professional development related to payroll, benefits, accounting, and HR compliance.

• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible payroll experience.

• Experience administering employee benefit programs.

• ·Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles.

• Experience reconciling payroll and benefit-related accounts.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or SHRM certification.

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now.

• Experience in nonprofit, educational, or Catholic organizations.

• Knowledge of Wisconsin employment laws.

• Experience administering 403(b) retirement plans.

• Experience with Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage multiple payroll and benefit deadlines simultaneously.

• Interpret payroll, tax, and benefit regulations accurately.

• Analyze financial information and reconcile complex payroll accounts.

• Build positive relationships with employees and external vendors.

• Communicate complex payroll and benefit information clearly.

• Exercise sound judgment and maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Continuously improve processes through technology and best practices.

Employees of Siena Catholic Schools are expected to support the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education. While employees are not required to be Catholic unless otherwise designated, all employees are expected to respect and uphold the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and contribute positively to the faith-based culture of the organization.

Basic Staff Expectations: All Siena Catholic Schools of Racine employees and volunteers are expected to comply with the faculty/Staff Handbook and the Parent/Student Handbook. All SCS employees are expected to work positively in collaboration with others in addition to completing other tasks as assigned from time to time by their supervisor/administration.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; talk or hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work takes place in primarily an office/school environment; however there is some travel and limited exposure to outside elements.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work required of any employee assigned to this position. It does not intend to imply these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties, as requested by the position’s manager(s), the President and/or Board of Directors. All is subject to change and possible modification to address changing business conditions and reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.