Overview Reporting to the CFO, the Director of Payroll and Financial/HRIS Operations manages the team responsible for processing semi-monthly payrolls for Ascend Charter Schools and integral financial/ and interfacing with Ascend’s human resources systems and payroll systems to meet business needs. Why extraordinary professionals choose Ascend Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving 6,000 students across 17 schools in Central Brooklyn. Our mission is to lead our students on a great intellectual journey, providing them with an exceptional education and placing them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond. We guide our students to think critically and independently and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students’ natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Even our school buildings are designed to reflect our high aspirations for teaching and learning and the notable accomplishments that occur within our walls. To create this kind of vibrant learning community, we invest heavily in our faculty by providing ongoing professional training and support, and encourage our educators to collaborate closely and push each other to achieve great outcomes. Visit our website to learn more about the Ascend approach. Responsibilities Assigns, directs and supervises activities of Payroll Manager and Senior HRIS Analyst Overseeing payroll team to ensure seamless administration, including compliance and tax related filings and reportings. Leading process improvements within finance-HR systems, including leveraging current HRIS and other business analysis technology capabilities. Leading collaborations between Finance, HR, and Talent to develop business and operations processes, such as the Staffing/Vacancy model, and ultimately identifying ways to maximize the HRIS to improve real-time position control management and reporting, as well as creating and maintaining ad hoc data analysis. Ensures all payroll and HRIS procedures and systems ensure adherence to established laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards; assists and advises team members, as necessary, resolving problems as non-routine situations arise Reviews and approves payroll and HRIS system enhancement agenda Assists and advises school system personnel on matters pertaining to payroll, and resolves discrepancies in payroll administration, records, checks, etc., as necessary; attends school staff meetings and other functions, as necessary, to respond to inquiries pertaining to payroll operations; completes surveys and reports pertaining to payroll and payroll-related operations. Oversees the design, management, and administration of Ascend’s retirement plan and manages partnerships with the plan recordkeeper, broker/financial advisor, TPA, auditor, and ERISA counsel. Ensures timely and accurate plan contributions in compliance with the plan’s rules and federal regulations. And manages participant census data for accurate completion of all compulsory audits, discrimination testing, and IRS filings. Staff and Reporting Relationships The Director of Payroll and Financial/HRIS Operations reports to the CFO. Qualifications Bachelor's degree A minimum of 6 years of experience, ideally previous experience in payroll, HRIS systems, or HR role Non-profit experience is a plus Experience with HRIS or data management systems Highly skilled in the use of Excel High level of integrity and attention to detail; no tolerance for payroll errors or sloppiness Exceptional organization and time management skills Strong attention to detail A mindset of excellence; insistence on quality A customer service-oriented mindset The ability to juggle multiple tasks of varying complexity and to stay organized in a fast-paced environment The ability to work independently and collaboratively An openness to accept and implement feedback and engage in a process of self-improvement Excellent work habits, including a willingness to do what is necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures Passion and commitment to urban education and Ascend’s mission of closing the achievement gap Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend Learning Diversity at Ascend Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work. Compensation The starting salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000. Several factors such as candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary range is reflective of a position based in New York City.