Payroll/Benefits & Accounting Coordinator in PUTNEY, Vermont at The Putney School

The Putney School is seeking a full-time Payroll/Benefits & Accounting Coordinator to begin work as soon as possible. The Payroll/Benefits & Accounting Coordinator is responsible for payroll processing, benefits administration, accounts payable, and providing accounting and administrative support to the School’s Business Office.

The Payroll/Benefits & Accounting Coordinator position reports directly to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and is a 12-month, in-person, non-exempt position.

About The Putney School: Putney is a progressive boarding school for 220 hardworking and curious students in a beautiful corner of Southern Vermont. Since 1935, Putney has prepared intellectually curious, community-minded students by joining time-tested educational principles and cutting-edge progressive teaching methods. The school blends high expectations and unique levels of student agency so that they achieve college success and grow into inspiring and well-rounded people. Hands-on learning is embedded in the school’s culture: a working dairy farm, expansive arts offerings, a robust work program, miles of wooded trails, and large solar arrays serve our curriculum.

The school cultivates and sustains an educational community that values difference. Community members explore how they contribute to building a home at Putney where everyone, especially those from historically marginalized populations, can honor their individual racial, gender, political, ethnic, and socio-economic identities. Putney recognizes this is difficult, communal work, and the school supports all its employees in developing this critical skill set.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll in Paylocity, ensuring the accuracy of timekeeping records, wages, deductions, withholdings, benefits, and employee data in compliance with Federal and State tax and labor laws.
• Administer employee benefits, including correct setup of new hires and special enrollments periods in the Paylocity Benefits Module, overseeing open enrollment, and communicating with benefits vendors.
• Onboard new hires, offboard departing employees, and act as the point of contact for employee questions regarding payroll and benefits.
• Track employee leaves of absence under the FMLA/VPFL and process workers compensation claims.
• Review and maintain job descriptions, post job openings, and assist with applicant tracking as needed.
• Oversee the accounts payable process, reviewing invoices for accuracy and ensuring payroll, sales tax, and W-9 compliance.
• Prepare bank reconciliations, enter journal entries and disbursements, make deposits, and other accounting duties.
• Coordinate updates to the employee handbook and prepare employment agreements.
• Support the year-end closing processes, assisting with data entry and maintenance of financial records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range of $45,000 to $65,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, and optional group insurance plans, HSA/FSA options, paid time off, and 403(b) retirement plan contributions.
• Annual professional development opportunities.

• Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business, or graduation from an accredited bookkeeping program required.
• Prior experience in payroll, benefits, and/or bookkeeping required; enthusiasm and aptitude for learning and professional development crucial.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial terminology, including the importance of debits & credits in double-entry accounting.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Computer and software savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to pass a criminal-background check and authorization to work in the United States are required.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds, sit for long periods, and climb stairs required.