Payroll Manager at The Cottonwood School – El Dorado Hills, California

The Cottonwood School offers dynamic homeschooling pathways for TK-12: a uniquely personalized, whole-learner approach that nurtures academic, social, and emotional achievement. The Cottonwood school is a tuition-free, public charter school serving transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade students in Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento Counties. We take an integrative approach that education is more than academic learning. We understand that a rich education includes social and emotional development as well as a strong academic foundation.

Our Homestudy Pathway fosters holistic learning through the many activities and events we offer each month—field trips, workshops, hands-on, experiential activities.

Our Cottonwood College Prep Academy is a hybrid on-site High School Pathway that offers Montessori-inspired project-based learning that encourages collaboration and creativity.

At The Cottonwood School, we envision a world where students flourish, communities thrive, and staff are fulfilled.

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Start Date: February 9, 2026

Vacancies: 1

Direct Supervisor: Chief Financial Officer

Salary Schedule: Schedule F2 (Supervisor I)

Work Calendar: 260

Classification: Classified

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 5 days per week, with in-person

presence required as needed to fulfill the position's duties and responsibilities.

Job Description: Link

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, The Cottonwood School offers eligible full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that can include: Medical, Dental, Vision coverage, Life & Disability insurnace, 403(b) and 457(b) plans (with matching available for certain classifications), an Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending accounts for Health care and dependent care, Paid Time Off and sick leave benefits (for certain classifications and eligible staff), pet insurance, and more!

*Compensation & benefits may be prorated based on date of hire*

Classified Postings

Full-time regular employees receive the following additional benefits for the entire school year (July-June)

• 23 paid non-workdays/holidays
• 8 PTO days
• 12 Paid Sick Leave days

Required Qualifications

• Four (4) years of payroll experience managing full-cycle payroll processes
• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or human resources; equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Must live in Northern California and be able to commute to El Dorado Hills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Paylocity for payroll processing
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Experience in a multi-state payroll environment
• Experience in a virtual environment
• Experience with charter school operations or public education system with 200+ employees

Employment Requirements

• Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Clearance
• Valid Driver's License and appropriate auto insurance coverage
• I-9 Verification