About this role
About Belgrade School District: Belgrade School District provides instructional, athletic, and activities opportunities for more than 3,100 students from the community of nearly 14,000 residents. Through the commitment of more than 600 full- and part-time staff members, students engage in learning and participate in extracurricular events throughout the calendar year. As Belgrade's largest employer, we're proud of the partnership we have with local families, businesses and civic organizations. Working with Belgrade School District is a rewarding opportunity to be part of our mission “to educate students to become responsible members of society.” We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including a district contribution toward health insurance premiums, and available dental, vision, and life insurance as well as other supplemental insurance plans. District employees also participate in PERS or TRS retirement plans which is vested after 5 years. Employees can also choose to contribute to a 403B plan with an additional district contribution. Position Overview: The Payroll/Benefits Specialist is responsible for the financial reconciliation, record accuracy, and administrative tracking of the District's benefits operations. This role focuses heavily on numbers, data integrity, and compliance—specifically creating and maintaining master files to reconcile payroll deductions against vendor billing, tracking FMLA leave, and gathering data for biannual GASB/OPEB liability reporting. The position requires exceptional attention to detail, proficiency in financial record-keeping, strict adherence to data privacy standards, and clear, effective communication with third-party plan administrators. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Maintains and updates records for health, dental, life and disability insurance policies as well as flexible spending options available to employees and retirees of the District.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication with plan administrators, flexible spending administrator, and third party claims payor regarding claim problems, issues or concerns encountered by enrolled employees.
• Creates and maintains a master insurance data file that is utilized to reconcile benefit payroll deductions with the Payroll Department for both the employee and employer.
• Maintains and tracks employee FMLA leaves and balances.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets utilizing formulas and functions, analyze data, and perform reconciliations.
• Generates reports and assembles information bi-annually for other past employment benefits (OPEB) liability, GASB 45.
• Assists in conducting research, verifies and prepares periodic financial reports related to personnel and payroll.
• Tracks qualifying events and updates corresponding benefits changes and withholding.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of school district policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of case management tools, applications, documentation requirements and regulations.
• Understanding of data privacy laws, statutes, and requirements.
• Knowledge of the application and use of computers, business productivity software/applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace and other office productivity software utilized by the department in performance of the job.
• Demonstrated ability for mature judgement and decision making.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with staff and the school community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Qualifications & Skills: MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two or more years experience in administrative work with an emphasis on highly detailed records.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including creating and maintaining spreadsheets, utilizing formulas and functions, analyzing data, and performing reconciliation to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate financial records.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Two or more years of experience in payroll accounting, benefits reconciliation, or municipal/school district bookkeeping preferred.
• Working knowledge of benefits plan, design and administration, especially as it relates to school districts, preferred.
Physical Demands
• Frequently remains in a stationary position at a desk or computer workstation for extended periods while reviewing financial records and auditing files.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus to read fine print, review detailed spreadsheets, and detect subtle numerical discrepancies.
• Constantly operates a computer, keyboard, 10-key calculator, and other office productivity machinery to input, audit, and analyze detailed numerical data.
• Frequently exchanges clear and accurate information orally and in writing with district staff, insurance plan administrators, and third-party vendors.
• Occasionally moves, positions, or transports physical file folders or office documents weighing up to 10–15 pounds.
Work Environment
• Functions primarily in a standard, climate-controlled office setting with moderate noise levels (typical office electronics and occasional foot traffic).
• Requires sustained mental concentration and high attention to detail to perform repetitive mathematical calculations, balance ledger accounts, and audit complex data sets under regular deadlines.
Part time position (20 hours/week) Benefits Eligible position Starting pay range: 19.21-20.90 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.