Payroll Associate

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Are you passionate about accuracy and making a meaningful impact behind the scenes? As a Payroll Associate, you will play a vital role in ensuring timely and precise payroll processing that supports our educators and staff. You will be the go-to expert for payroll inquiries and compliance, helping our mission-driven organization run smoothly and fairly. Your work will connect across teams, ensuring payroll data aligns with accounting and benefits, directly contributing to a positive employee experience.

Role & Responsibilities

Payroll Execution and Compliance

• Process all payrolls for your assigned portfolio accurately and on time
• Conduct semi-monthly payroll audits to identify and correct errors before final processing
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll inquiries, compliance questions, and issue resolution

Benefits and Pension Management

• Manage pension processes for New Jersey and Massachusetts, including quarterly filings and certifications
• Support pension enrollments and updates to ensure correct employee contributions
• Handle pay adjustments and deductions related to leaves of absence and benefits

Payroll Accounting and Reporting

• Perform payroll-to-accounting reconciliations and assist with quarter-end and year-end payroll processes
• Prepare and review W-2 forms, assist with W-2 corrections, and maintain accurate payroll records year-round
• Support annual accounting audits related to payroll

Additional Support

• Collaborate with managers and cross-functional teams to address payroll-related needs
• Complete other payroll-related tasks as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience in payroll or accounting considered
• 3 to 4 years of professional experience with a focus on payroll processing, audits, and benefits administration
• Experience with pension plans and payroll compliance, preferably including New Jersey regulations
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage routine, predictable tasks independently
• Comfortable working primarily seated with minimal physical demands
• Experience with payroll systems such as Workday and ADP is a plus
• Excellent communication skills to serve as a reliable resource for payroll inquiries

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. [same for all roles]

Compensation 

Compensation for this role is between $64,000 to $75,300. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. If you meet all job description requirements you will likely receive an offer of $67,800. 

Benefits

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].