Accountant / Payroll Specialist

Accountant / Payroll Specialist

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 Depending on Qualifications and Experience

Organization: St. Croix Preparatory Academy Position: Accountant / Payroll Specialist Location: Stillwater, Minnesota Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position FLSA Status: Exempt Reports To: Director of Finance

Position Summary

St. Croix Preparatory Academy, a K-12 public charter school serving the Stillwater area, seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented professional to support the school's accounting, payroll, budgeting, and financial operations. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position may be filled as an Accountant, Payroll Specialist, or a blended Accountant/Payroll role.

The successful candidate will provide accurate financial reporting, payroll administration, account reconciliation, budgeting support, and customer service while helping ensure the school's financial resources are managed effectively and in compliance with applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Operations

Prepare and maintain general ledger entries.

Process bank transactions and payments.

Code and reconcile FeePay transactions.

Process credit card and electronic bank payments.

Assist with monthly and annual financial reporting.

Support year-end audit preparation and auditor requests.

Assist with grant accounting and financial compliance activities.

Maintain strong internal controls and financial accuracy.

Payroll Administration

Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely; this includes TRA/PERA filing/payment, UIMN reporting, IRS filing/payment, 403(b) funding, HSA funding, MNPFML, paid time off reconciliation.

Maintain payroll records, deductions, benefits, and employee earnings information.

Reconcile payroll liabilities and benefit accounts.

Ensure compliance with payroll tax reporting requirements.

Generate payroll reports and support annual payroll reporting processes.

Collaborate with Human Resources regarding employee compensation, benefits, and payroll-related matters.

Student Activities and Travel Accounts

Manage financial activities associated with student travel programs and fundraising events.

Process payments to travel vendors and reimbursements as appropriate.

Allocate applicable fundraising proceeds and account credits.

Reconcile activity and athletic accounts.

Track activity expenditures against approved budgets.

Manage coach and advisor stipends and activity payments.

Food Service and Special Programs

Assist with food service financial reporting and analysis.

Assist with required food service submissions and reconciliations.

Reconcile special program and partner organization financial activities as assigned.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Assist in monitoring of departmental and program budgets.

Support annual budget preparation.

School and Community Support

Assist with school events and other business office initiatives.

Coordinate financial aspects of designated school programs and activities.

Provide excellent customer service to employees, families, vendors, and community stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience with Skyward PAC and/or Skyward SMS required.

Experience with UFARS accounting and reporting.

Experience in accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, or financial management.

Experience in Minnesota public school or charter school finance.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Proficiency in Google platforms, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications, and database managment.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with payroll processing and related compliance requirements.

Experience supporting annual audits and financial reporting.

Experience working with databases and student information systems.

Strong customer service orientation and ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

Knowledge of administrative, accounting, and clerical procedures.

Strong information management and organizational skills.

Professional presentation and interpersonal abilities.

Initiative, reliability, and sound judgment.

Effective time management and stress management skills.

Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $70,000-$90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience

Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance

Participation in Minnesota public retirement programs (PERA, as applicable)

Paid holidays and paid time off

Professional development opportunities

About St. Croix Preparatory Academy

St. Croix Preparatory Academy is a public charter school serving students in grades K-12 in Stillwater, Minnesota. The Academy's mission is to develop learners into intellectually, socially, and morally responsible individuals through a rigorous classical education in a supportive learning environment.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

Letter of Interest

Resume

Three Professional References

Applications will be reviewed as received and the position will remain open until filled.

St. Croix Preparatory Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.