25-26 Payroll Operations and Analytics Manager

Position Summary

The Payroll Operations and Analytics Manager oversees all payroll operations for the school district, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant compensation for employees. This role leads and supports the Payroll Coordinators, manages payroll systems and processes, ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements and regulatory requirements, and partners with Finance, Human Resources, and City departments to improve payroll accuracy, transparency, and efficiency. The Payroll Manager also provides payroll analytics and reporting to support budgeting, forecasting, and informed decision-making.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Oversee and manage end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring all payrolls are processed accurately and on schedule;
• Supervise, train, and develop Payroll Coordinators; establish priorities, provide guidance, and ensure effective cross-training and coverage;
• Ensure payroll practices comply with collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
• Maintain oversight of payroll systems and databases, including MUNIS and related payroll and timekeeping systems;
• Review, approve, and reconcile payroll transactions, deductions, and postings to the general ledger;
• Oversee reporting and compliance requirements, including MTRS reporting, tax filings, garnishments, and court-ordered deductions;
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures, payroll calendars, and internal controls
• Lead payroll-related process improvements, including transition to electronic time entry and enhancements to leave and stipend management;
• Coordinate with Human Resources and Finance to ensure accurate employee data, position control, and timely payroll changes;
• Produce payroll projections, analyses, and reports to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight;
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues and ensure timely resolution of employee and department inquiries;
• Partner with City departments and external vendors to ensure accurate benefit deductions and system integrations;
• Support audits and internal reviews by providing payroll documentation and reconciliations;
• Maintain confidentiality and data integrity across all payroll operations;
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Strong understanding of payroll systems (e.g., MUNIS), federal and state payroll laws, tax regulations, collective bargaining agreements, retirement systems (MTRS), and benefits administration
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and retirement systems 
• Ability to execute with a high level of accuracy and dependability
• Ability to learn complex systems, multi-task, follow detailed procedures, and meet stringent deadlines
• Ability to coach, train, schedule, and develop payroll staff, delegate tasks, and maintain high team performance and accountability
• Ability to collect, review, reconcile, and analyze payroll data, produce accurate projections, and create reports for finance and administrative decision-making
• Skills in technology including Microsoft Excel and data entry
• Excellent customer service skills

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Physical Strength Requirements: Sedentary – Primarily seated work; may involve lifting or carrying items up to 10 lbs
• Posture & Movement Requirements: Frequently Sitting
• Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive written information (near vision); Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions
• Work Environment: Work environment is generally quiet but may include periods of moderate activity and frequent interruptions typical of a busy finance office.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Five or more years of payroll experience required
• Public-sector or union environment experience preferred
• Post-secondary studies in an applicable field (i.e. accounting, finance, management) required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: Deputy Finance Officer
• Position Supervises: Payroll Coordinators (2)

Position Details

• Location: Central Office
• Department: Finance
• Union Affiliation: Non-Union

Terms of Employment

• Employment Status: Full Time
• Work Year: Full Year (260 days)
• Work Hours: 40 hours per week / Monday-Friday
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Benefits Status: Eligible in accordance with the SPS Non-Union Benefits
• Salary: $105,000-$115,000 annualized 

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.