Payroll & Benefits Specialist (part-time)

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, communic