Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist

Reports To: Controller

FLSA: Exempt

One of the nation’s oldest schools for hands-on training in traditional trades and fine craftsmanship, North Bennet Street School (nbss.edu) is internationally known for its programs that help students to achieve meaningful lives and livelihoods. For more than a century, the exceptional programs, master faculty, and inspiring community have encouraged individual growth, curiosity, technical mastery, and commitment to excellence.

The School offers full-time programs in Bookbinding, Carpentry, Cabinet & Furniture Making, Jewelry Making & Repair, Locksmithing & Security Technology, Piano Technology, Preservation Carpentry, and Violin Making & Repair. In addition, NBSS provides continuing education classes in a range of related disciplines. The School is located at an impressive, new facility in Boston’s historic North End, the community in which it was originally founded in 1881.

Position Summary

The Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist is responsible for the full-cycle administration of accounts payable and payroll functions and plays a critical role in maintaining the financial integrity of the School. This position exercises independent judgment in interpreting policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, resolving complex discrepancies, and improving financial processes.

The Specialist partners with Finance and HR leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, payroll compliance, and effective internal controls. This role requires a high degree of discretion in handling sensitive financial and employee information.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Oversee the full-cycle accounts payable process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to internal controls
• Review and approve vendor invoices for appropriate coding and policy compliance
• Manage payment processes (check, ACH, wire transfers) and cash disbursement schedules
• Reconcile vendor statements and proactively resolve discrepancies
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and independently resolve escalated issues
• Lead 1099 preparation and support quarter-end and year-end close activities
• Partner with the Bursar’s Office during financial aid disbursement cycles
• Evaluate and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and strengthen controls
• Assist with audit preparation and serve as a primary contact for AP-related inquiries

Payroll

• Administer bi-monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Interpret payroll regulations and apply appropriate tax, deduction, and benefit treatments
• Maintain and audit payroll records, including hires, terminations, pay adjustments, and benefits changes
• Manage payroll tax reporting, retirement plan contributions, and related reconciliations
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and reporting for Finance leadership
• Resolve complex payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries independently
• Participate in payroll system upgrades and enhancements (ADP Workforce Now)
• Recommend and implement payroll process improvements and internal controls

Human Resources Support

• Oversee onboarding and offboarding payroll and benefits processes
• Administer benefits enrollments, 401(k) plan contributions, and related reconciliations
• Maintain HRIS data integrity and ensure compliance with recordkeeping requirements
• Generate HR and payroll reports for leadership and regulatory filings
• Support compliance initiatives and audits through analysis and documentation preparation

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounts payable, payroll, or general accounting
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in applying accounting principles and payroll regulations
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and ERP systems
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal control principles
• Experience with payroll system implementation or upgrades
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs
• Must be able to lift more than 25 lbs. and assist others as needed
• Walking, standing, and bending for periods of time
• Prolonged periods of computer-based work

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• Self-directed and accountable
• Comfortable making informed decisions within established guidelines
• Analytical and process-oriented
• Able to identify operational improvements and implement solutions
• Confident interacting with employees at all levels of the organization

Pay Range

$70,000 – $78,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

This is a salaried, exempt position and is not eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.

How to Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@nbss.edu with “Accounting Specialist” in the subject line by April 20, 2026.

The position is eligible for benefits that include health and life insurance, generous paid time off, short- and long-term disability, professional development, retirement plan, and more.