Staff Accountant & Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Staff Accountant & Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely execution of day-to-day accounting, payroll, benefits, and operational financial processes. This role ensures transactional accuracy, maintains strong internal controls, and supports the operational efficiency of Epiphany School.

The role is critical in ensuring transactional accuracy, allowing budget-to-actual reporting to be reliable and current and provides responsive support to employees, families, and school leadership.

Work Schedule & Location

The person in this role must work in-person on the school campus in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, at least two days a week, including days when there is a staff meeting.

• Standard work hours are typically Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Staff meetings typically run through 5:00pm on Wednesdays (dates communicated in advance)
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support school events (e.g., school auction)
• Epiphany School does not cover relocation expenses.

What you'll do

Payroll administration

• Process payroll inputs accurately and on schedule, including regular and supplemental pay.
• Assist with timekeeping, payroll adjustments, and maintaining audit trails.
• Communication with employees regarding discrepancies, questions, or corrections related to payroll.
• Perform monthly reconciliations for payroll-related accounts.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Manage all accounts payable and accounts receivable activities, including invoice processing, vendor communication, and collections.
• Support the implementation and expanded use of accounts payable automation and credit card management with AI-enhanced software.
• Ensure accurate posting and reconciliation of operational transactions.

Benefits Administration

• Administer benefit-related remittances and reconciliations, including:

o   403(b) contributions and employer match.

o   Payroll-related benefits troubleshooting and communication (FSA, HSA, LSA, etc.).

o   Coordination and validation of health, dental, and vision insurance billing against enrollment.

Operational Support & Systems Management

• Support audit requests by gathering documentation and completing sample tests.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and SOPs for all transactional processes.
• Support the school community through uniform sales and management of the school spirit store in collaboration with the Epiphany Parent Council and Events & Community Engagement Manager.
• Assist with ad hoc reporting or operational projects as requested by the Controller.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of accounting, payroll, or financial operations experience
• Experience with payroll processing, benefits administration, and general accounting reconciliations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred:

• Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, or education setting.
• Familiarity with accounting and payroll systems such as Blackbaud Financial Edge, Bill.com, Ramp, Rippling, Sawyer, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and payroll/benefits compliance in Washington State and Seattle.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is between $68,000 – $75,000, based on years of experience, education, skill, and internal equity in line with our school’s Administrator pay scale. When determining an initial offer, we carefully consider these factors.

Alongside salary, Epiphany School offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Benefits stipend to put towards employee bene