Accountant - Payroll Specialist

About Us: At Global Village Academy Collaborative, we are dedicated to providing a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive educational environment across our Global Village campuses. We pride ourselves on language immersion programs and strong connections with local communities. Location: This position is primarily remote, but candidates must be available to attend periodic in-person meetings and events as needed. We offer a supportive and flexible work environment that blends the convenience of remote work with opportunities for on-site collaboration. Job Type: Full Time - Exempt Annual Salary Range: $65,000 - $78,000 Summary: The Accountant – Payroll Specialist at Global Village Academy Collaborative plays a key role in supporting the organization's financial and operational strategies. Reporting to the Controller, this position is responsible for managing monthly payroll processing while also performing essential accounting and finance functions. The position ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll, reconciliation and payment of payroll liabilities, maintenance of financial records, and completion of assigned accounting activities. This position works collaboratively with the Finance and Human Resources teams and supports the financial operations of Global Village Academy Collaborative and its three schools in the Denver metro area. Essential Duties and Professional Responsibilities Payroll Processing and Administration Manage accurate and timely monthly payroll processing in accordance with established payroll schedules. Review and verify payroll information, including timesheets, leave balances, salary changes, stipends, supplemental pay, deductions, and other compensation. Process new hires, terminations, salary changes, and other employee changes affecting payroll. Review payroll registers and reports for accuracy prior to payroll submission. Reconcile payroll and ensure timely payment and reconciliation of payroll liabilities, including payroll taxes, benefit deductions, retirement contributions, and other deductions. Process payroll adjustments and corrections as needed. Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation for compliance and audit purposes. Assist with year-end payroll activities and payroll reconciliations. Assist with Colorado PERA reporting and other required payroll and retirement reporting. Work collaboratively with Human Resources to ensure employee benefit elections, changes, and terminations are accurately reflected in payroll. Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, deductions, taxes, direct deposit, leave balances, and other payroll-related matters while maintaining confidentiality. Accounting and Financial Operations Process accounts payable transactions and assist with accounts receivable, deposits, grants, and other accounting functions. Maintain accurate financial files and records, including payroll, contracts, grants, invoices, and other financial documentation. Prepare and issue annual 1099 forms to applicable vendors and contractors, ensuring information is accurate and submitted in accordance with federal and state reporting requirements. Perform reconciliations of balance sheet and other assigned accounts. Research and resolve discrepancies in financial information, account balances, and supporting documentation. Assist with monthly financial close activities and preparation of financial reports. Monitor fund and account balances to ensure revenues and expenditures are accurately recorded and expenses remain within approved budgets. Ensure fiscal practices and accounting procedures are followed in accordance with organizational policies and applicable State of Colorado guidelines. Assist with financial audits by maintaining organized records and providing supporting documentation as requested. Additional Duties Identify opportunities to improve payroll and accounting processes, internal controls, and operational efficiencies. Assist with payroll and financial system updates, testing, and implementation of new processes. Complete other assigned job-related duties and special projects as needed. Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Knowledge of payroll processing practices, payroll accounting, and applicable federal and state payroll requirements. Knowledge of the Standardized Accounting Code Structure and GAAP principles; knowledge of GASB principles preferred. Familiarity with State and Federal regulations related to school accounting and payroll processes preferred. Knowledge of Colorado PERA reporting and retirement requirements is a plus. Proficiency in relevant financial, accounting, and payroll software applications. Experience with iSolved (Payroll/HRIS System) preferred. Experience with SDS (Specialized Data Systems – Financial) is beneficial. Strong ability to meet deadlines, plan effectively, and manage multiple priorities. Excellent record-keeping and organizational skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to multitask, research and resolve discrepancies, solve problems, make sound decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling employee, payroll, and financial information. Demonstrates flexibility, patience, professionalism, and sound judgment when working with diverse individuals and situations. Education and Work Experience Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience required. Minimum of 2 years of payroll processing experience, preferably within a school, charter school, nonprofit, or governmental environment. Accounting experience, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliation, or general ledger functions, preferred. Experience with employee benefits deductions and payroll-related reporting preferred. Experience with Colorado PERA is highly desirable. Strong understanding of current payroll, accounting, and financial management systems and software. Core Competencies Accuracy and Attention to Detail Payroll and Financial Compliance Confidentiality and Integrity Organization and Time Management Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Accountability Communication Collaboration and Teamwork Customer Service Adaptability Continuous Improvement Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone. Please note this description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Regular attendance is required for this position. Global Village Academy shall not discriminate in its employment or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic prohibited by law. GVA is committed to cultural diversity among school personnel as a means of enriching the educational experience. GVA shall identify, solicit, and consider applicants for employment from a broad spectrum of qualified individuals who will contribute to that effort. RELOCATION NOT PROVIDED FOR THIS POSITION.