Staff Accountant & Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Staff Accountant & Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely execution of day-to-day accounting, payroll, benefits, and operational financial processes. This role ensures transactional accuracy, maintains strong internal controls, and supports the operational efficiency of Epiphany School.

The role is critical in ensuring transactional accuracy, allowing budget-to-actual reporting to be reliable and current and provides responsive support to employees, families, and school leadership.

Work Schedule & Location

The person in this role must work in-person on the school campus in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, including days when there is a staff meeting.

Standard work hours are typically Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Staff meetings typically run through 5:00pm on Wednesdays (dates communicated in advance)

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support school events (e.g., school auction)

Epiphany School does not cover relocation expenses.

What you'll do

Payroll administration

Process payroll inputs accurately and on schedule, including regular and supplemental pay.

Assist with timekeeping, payroll adjustments, and maintaining audit trails.

Communication with employees regarding discrepancies, questions, or corrections related to payroll.

Perform monthly reconciliations for payroll-related accounts.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

Manage all accounts payable and accounts receivable activities, including invoice processing, vendor communication, and collections.

Support the implementation and expanded use of accounts payable automation and credit card management with AI-enhanced software.

Ensure accurate posting and reconciliation of operational transactions.

Benefits Administration

Administer benefit-related remittances and reconciliations, including:

403(b) contributions and employer match.

Payroll-related benefits troubleshooting and communication (FSA, HSA, LSA, etc.).

Coordination and validation of health, dental, and vision insurance billing against enrollment.

Operational Support & Systems Management

Support audit requests by gathering documentation and completing sample tests.

Maintain accurate records, documentation, and SOPs for all transactional processes.

Support the school community through uniform sales and management of the school spirit store in collaboration with the Epiphany Parent Council and Events & Community Engagement Manager.

Assist with ad hoc reporting or operational projects as requested by the Controller.

Qualifications

Required:

Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

3+ years of accounting, payroll, or financial operations experience

Experience with payroll processing, benefits administration, and general accounting reconciliations.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred:

Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, or education setting.

Familiarity with accounting and payroll systems such as Blackbaud Financial Edge, Bill.com, Ramp, Rippling, Sawyer, or similar platforms.

Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and payroll/benefits compliance in Washington State and Seattle.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is between $68,000 – $75,000, based on years of experience, education, skill, and internal equity in line with our school’s Administrator pay scale. When determining an initial offer, we carefully consider these factors.

Alongside salary, Epiphany School offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Benefits stipend to put towards employee benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, voluntary employee, spousal, and child life and critical illness insurance, accident insurance, voluntary short-term disability, and flexible health savings accounts

Employer-paid monthly premiums for employee assistance program and long-term disability coverage

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

13 paid holidays

6 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave

Paid supplemental parental leave after 12 months of employment

Professional development funding

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through our Employee Portal. The priority review deadline for applications will be July 26, 2026, but applications will be received until the position is filled.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Sates and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Final offers will be contingent on the successful completion of a background, education, and employment check.

About Epiphany School

Epiphany School is a non-parochial, independent elementary school serving grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school mission is to challenge and support all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment. We strive to inspire every child to discover meaning and purpose in a life of learning and actively cultivate an awareness and respect for diversity in all forms. We aim to create a positive, joyful, and inclusive community by embracing the following values:

Learn Joyfully

Try New Things

Act Responsibly

Invite Everyone In

Shine Together

With over 270 students, Epiphany School is large enough to offer a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and small enough to maintain a close-knit community. The beautiful, historic campus is located in a quiet setting in central Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood.

Epiphany School’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society.

Epiphany School is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principle of equal access and opportunity in education and employment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all its programs and services.

Epiphany School complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@epiphanyschool.org.

Pay: $68,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b)

403(b) matching

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person