Accounting Assistant - Benefits

Terms of Employment: 12 Months
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Scale: AFSCME Pay Grade UA G11-12
https://www.ccboe.com/careers/salary-scales 

Job Summary
The Benefits Accounting Assistant provides financial, accounting, and clerical support to the Benefits Office, including payroll benefit deductions, vendor payments, reconciliation activities, and employee support. This position ensures accurate processing of benefit-related financial transactions and compliance with district policies, contractual requirements, and regulatory guidelines. Work includes maintaining benefit records, assisting employees with payroll and benefit inquiries, and preparing reports to support audit, billing, and reconciliation processes.

Education and Work Experience
•    High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred.
•    Two (2) years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, or benefits administration.
•    Valid driver's license.
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
•    Experience with HRIS or payroll systems preferred.

Essential Job Functions
•    Assists with the review, reconciliation, and processing of benefit deductions,
•    invoices, COBRA billing, and vendor payments.
•    Ensures employee enrollment and deduction accuracy in HRIS and payroll systems.
•    Prepares and processes accounting transactions, including adjustments, refunds, and transfers.
•    Maintains benefit vendor data and supports 1095/ACA and 1099 reporting as applicable.
•    Supports open enrollment activities, data validation, and file transfers.
•    Coordinates with Payroll to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate benefits processing.
•    Provides employee support related to benefit deduction questions and payroll issues.
•    Performs routine financial reconciliations for benefit plans, vendor accounts, and payment records.
•    Reviews, researches, and resolves discrepancies in invoices, benefit files, and deductions.
•    Processes payments and verifies correct account coding, tax application, and documentation.
•    Assists with preparing documentation for internal and external audits.
•    Provides information and support to employees, departments, and vendors on benefit procedures.
•    Maintains accurate and confidential employee benefit and accounting records.
•    Prepares reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, and reconciliation documentation.
•    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
•    Knowledge of accounting and payroll principles and reconciliation practices.
•    Knowledge of employee benefits programs and regulations preferred.
•    Ability to process and reconcile financial transactions accurately and efficiently.
•    Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
•    Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•    Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
•    Must be able to lift/move items up to 50 pounds.
•    Requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
•    Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer and data entry.
•    Work is performed in a standard office setting with moderate noise.
•    Occasional travel required for meetings, school visits, or audits.

ADA Compliance
Charles County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer, ensuring ADA compliance and reasonable accommodations as needed.

Charles County Public Schools reserves the right to re-advertise and modify the content of vacancy announcements at any time; however, this may be the only notice for this position during the noted advertisement period.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Michael Blanchard, Community Schools X/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students,) or Nikial M. Majors, Community Schools X/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations, call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.