Payroll & Benefits Specialist (Part-Time)

Organization: San Diego Jewish Academy
Location: Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA
Status: Part-Time | Non-Exempt | Approximately 20 hours per week
Compensation: $35–$42 per hour
Note: Hours may fluctuate during peak periods such as Back to School and End of School Year seasons and Open Enrollment

About Us
For more than 40 years, SDJA has been a leader in education as a pluralistic preschool - 12th grade school serving the Jewish community on our beautiful 56-acre campus. Our mission is to empower each student to learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in the strength of community. We are shaping the foundation of future thinkers, creators and community leaders by blending modern education with deeper purpose and meaning. Students are inspired to embrace creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in their learning, shaping them to become leaders of integrity, social responsibility, and architects of change.

Position Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Payroll and Benefits professional to own the school's payroll processing and benefits administration functions. This role reports to the HR Manager and works closely with both Finance - including regular collaboration with the Controller on payroll review, benefit cost reporting, GL support, and audit preparation. This is a specialized, technical role for someone who takes pride in accuracy, thrives on process, and understands that timely and correct payroll is one of the most important things an organization can do for its people. This is a part-time position and is not expected to transition to full-time. While our school is rooted in Jewish tradition and culture, we welcome professionals of all backgrounds who are committed to our mission.

What You'll Do

Payroll Processing

Process semi-monthly payroll for all employee groups — salaried, hourly, and flat-rate
Submit FSA, 401k, and 457b contributions each pay period
Run semi-monthly payroll reports and update Benefit Costs reporting for Finance
Manage complex payroll scenarios including flat-rate coaching stipends, enrichment instructors, and leave situations
Administer benefits repayment arrangements for missed deductions
Support annual workers comp, 401k, and fiscal audits

Benefits Administration

Manage benefits billing and reconciliation across all carriers (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, etc.)
Lead Open Enrollment in coordination with broker and HR Manager - including system setup, carrier coordination, and enrollment processing
Administer COBRA through WEX TPA
Complete annual CMS Creditable Coverage Disclosure and other required filings

Retirement Plan Administration

Administer 401k plan through Fidelity — confirm EDI file feeds, fund contributions, coordinate annual 5500 filing
Administer 457b plan through Principal
Process 457b annual disbursements for former employees

Systems & Reporting

Serve as ADP Workforce Now super user for payroll and benefits modules
Maintain data integrity across all payroll and benefits records
Help write, maintain, and support reporting and queries

What We're Looking For

Required:

Minimum 5 years of payroll processing and benefits administration experience
Expert-level proficiency in ADP Workforce Now — this is a firm requirement
401k administration experience — Fidelity experience strongly preferred
Strong Excel skills — ability to build and maintain complex spreadsheets
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Absolute discretion — payroll is confidential and must be treated as such
Strong problem-solving skills — ability to research and resolve payroll discrepancies independently
Ability to work effectively in a part-time, self-directed capacity

Preferred:

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification
Experience with WEX COBRA administration
Experience in a K–12 independent school or nonprofit setting
California payroll experience — familiarity with CA wage and hour law

A Note on This Role
This is a focused, specialized position for someone who genuinely enjoys the technical side of payroll and benefits — not a stepping stone to a broader HR role. We are looking for a professional who takes ownership, works independently, communicates proactively, and understands that accuracy and confidentiality are non-negotiable in this function.

Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated salary range for this position is $35-$42 per hour. The offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and years of experience; training; practical knowledge; and education.

SDJA prides itself on the strong sense of community that exists within the school. In addition to an inclusive organizational climate, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees which includes: health; dental; vision; life insurance; short and long term disability; mental health benefits and an employee assistance plan; a tax savings flexible spending account plan for out of pocket health and dependent care expenses; a 401k retirement plan with a generous employer match; wellness benefits; kosher lunch community dining program; and much, much more!

Community & Inclusivity
San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) is a community of learners rooted in Jewish values and committed to preparing students to live and lead in a diverse and complex world. We welcome students, families, faculty, staff, and trustees from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our community values diversity across many dimensions, including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, family structure, and economic background. As a pluralistic Jewish day school, SDJA affirms the importance of Jewish identity, tradition, and connection to the Jewish people and Israel while embracing a diversity of perspectives within our community.

Equal Employment Opportunity
SDJA is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Consistent with its mission as a Jewish day school, SDJA seeks candidates whose professional values and educational philosophy align with the School's mission and institutional goals. As an educational community, SDJA seeks employees who demonstrate professionalism, respect for others, and the ability to engage thoughtfully across differences. The School will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position or participate in the interview process, please contact Human Resources.

Employment Requirements
SDJA is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Live Scan background check and TB screening as part of the hiring process.

California Compliance Notice
In accordance with California law (Education Code §44939.5, as amended by SB 848), applicants for all positions with SDJA are required to disclose all current and former employment with educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications.

Compensation details: 35-42 Hourly Wage

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San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA)

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